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Exclusive Interview: 50 Years of Interpol in Rwanda and the Impact on Global Security - Taarifa Rwanda
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Exclusive Interview: 50 Years of Interpol in Rwanda and the Impact on Global Security

For 50 years, Rwanda has been a committed partner of Interpol, playing a crucial role in combating crime on both a regional and global scale. Since joining in 1974, the country has deployed human and technological resources to strengthen international cooperation, leading successful extraditions, and intercepting stolen goods such as vehicles and travel documents. As Rwanda celebrates this milestone, Antoine Ngarambe, Head of Interpol at the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), reflects on the country’s achievements and the vital role Interpol plays in securing national and global safety. In this exclusive interview, conducted by Taarifa’s Chief Editor, Magnus Mazimpaka, Ngarambe delves into how Rwanda’s strategic use of Interpol’s platform has not only bolstered national security but also contributed significantly to global crime-fighting efforts.

Below are the excerpts.

Taarifa: It’s been 50 years of Rwanda collaborating with Interpol to combat crime globally. Today, we discuss Rwanda’s role in this partnership with Antoine Ngarambe, Head of Interpol and Cooperation at the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). Welcome, and can you provide a brief background on Rwanda’s partnership with Interpol?

Ngarambe: Rwanda became a member of Interpol on 19 September 1974. Since then, we’ve been actively contributing by deploying both financial and human resources. We currently have five law enforcement officials working within Interpol, including at the UN and the Interpol General Secretariat. We also participate in Interpol’s general assemblies and regional operations, sharing sensitive criminal information and engaging in extraditions and recovery of stolen items, such as vehicles and travel documents. Through this partnership, Rwanda contributes not only to national security but also to regional and global safety. The government has invested in technology and resources to ensure that no criminals can cross our borders undetected.

Taarifa: From a layperson’s perspective, what exactly is Interpol, and how does it function?

Ngarambe: Interpol is a platform that allows member countries to collaborate in tackling crime. It’s not an executive body; it facilitates secure communication and criminal databases, such as the nominal database, which helps track criminals across borders. For example, if Rwanda identifies a suspect, we can add them to the database, ensuring they are tracked globally.

Taarifa: How does Interpol cooperate with immigration, RIB, and other agencies in Rwanda?

Ngarambe: Interpol acts as a forum for all law enforcement agencies, including RIB, immigration, the Rwanda Revenue Authority, and the National Public Prosecution. These agencies can access Interpol databases to track criminals, stolen vehicles, and lost travel documents. RIB leads the coordination of these activities within Rwanda.

Taarifa: How do you prevent abuse of Interpol systems?

Ngarambe: Interpol has strict rules, including the Rules on Processing Data (RPD) and an oversight mechanism to ensure data is handled correctly. Each member country also has officers responsible for monitoring database access and use.

Taarifa: How do you guard against powerful criminal organizations infiltrating or influencing Interpol?

Ngarambe: Interpol has developed a highly secure communication system and employs dedicated IT specialists to safeguard its databases. The system is designed so that only authorized individuals can access specific information. Rwanda, for example, controls who can access the data we upload.

Taarifa: Could a person be wrongly added to the Interpol database?

Ngarambe: No. To add someone to the Interpol database, there must be a case built by investigators and approved by the Prosecutor General. Only RIB leadership can validate and submit such requests to Interpol.

Taarifa: Is there a way for someone to contest being added to the Interpol database?

Ngarambe:

Yes, individuals can appeal to the Commission for Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF), which oversees complaints regarding the misuse of the system. The CCF reviews each case independently.

Taarifa: Are there challenges in cooperation between countries when it comes to handling suspects?

Ngarambe: Yes, many countries may not cooperate fully, especially in cases involving genocide fugitives. However, Interpol is a platform for communication and collaboration, not enforcement. In cases where countries don’t cooperate, we resort to diplomatic channels and mutual legal assistance agreements.

Taarifa: How has Rwanda maximized its use of the Interpol platform?

Ngarambe: Rwanda has effectively utilized Interpol, both benefiting from its resources and contributing to the global community. We have extradited criminals and shared sensitive information that has strengthened our bilateral relations with other countries.

Taarifa: Can you share any notable cases where Interpol played a significant role?

Ngarambe: One example is a complex case involving a fugitive wanted by Guinea-Conakry and Mali. Through Interpol’s red notice system, we managed to extradite the suspect to Guinea-Conakry.

Taarifa: How is Rwanda positioned within the region in terms of Interpol cooperation?

Ngarambe: We are highly active in regional cooperation. Rwanda has representatives at the Interpol Regional Bureau in Nairobi and will be hosting the East African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCO) General Assembly next year.

Taarifa: How has the approach to crime changed with technological advances?

Ngarambe: Rwanda has significantly improved its capabilities. Before 2014, we had limited resources, but now, all our borders are equipped with Interpol’s secure communication system, which is integrated with immigration and Rwanda Revenue Authority databases. This allows us to track criminals and stolen goods in real-time.

Taarifa: How does Rwanda’s system compare to other countries?

Ngarambe: Rwanda is ahead in integrating Interpol’s system into national processes. This allows us to identify stolen vehicles and track criminals more efficiently than many other countries.

Taarifa: Do you collaborate with other countries to return impounded vehicles or other stolen goods?

Ngarambe: Yes, once we impound a stolen vehicle, we notify the country where it was reported stolen. The system automatically alerts both Rwanda and the country of origin, ensuring the item is returned.

Taarifa: What message would you like to share with the public?

Ngarambe: We are here to protect the public. For instance, we offer a free service to verify whether a vehicle is stolen before purchase, ensuring that Rwandans do not unknowingly buy stolen cars.

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