Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente has called for law enforcement institutions in the region to put more efforts in aligning policing strategies to effectively respond to the ever-changing nature of crime driven by digital and technological advancements.
The PM made the call on Friday, January 31, while officially closing the 26th Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) Annual General Meeting, in Kigali.
EAPCCO is a regional law enforcement body composed of 14 countries, namely; Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Comoros, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Seychelles, and Somalia.
The EAPCCO AGM, which included key events, including the Permanent Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting, the Council of Police Chiefs and the first SWAT Challenge, concluded with the 24th Council of Ministers in Charge of Police.
PM Ngirente commended the spirit of working together to ensure the
security of the people and the safety of their property.
“Today, more than ever, the necessity to cooperate and assist each other is imperative. It is also worth noting that, Police officers will certainly continue to face unpredictable challenges in line of their duties. This requires us to
invest in their training and development, to ensure that they are prepared for whatever comes their way,” he said.
He also lauded EAPCCO initiatives like the SWAT Challenge, joint Field Training Exercises, Games and Sports, which he said should be maintained to strengthen
bonds of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the region.
“I call upon all of you to renew your dedication to working together across borders and build a future where safety is a reality to the people you serve,” PM Ngirente said.
Meanwhile, South Sudan will host the 27th EAPCCO AGM while Ethiopia will host the 5th edition of EAPCCO Games.
