Kagame roots for global Police cooperation against crimes

President Paul Kagame addressing the third Sub-Saharan Africa International Association of Chief of Police (IACP) conference

President Paul Kagame has called upon Police forces around the world to strengthen cooperation as a way of dealing with global security challenges which pose threats to the socio-economic transformation of communities and states across the globe.

The President made the call on Monday, while officiating the opening of a two-day third Sub-Saharan Africa International Association of Chief of Police (IACP) conference at Serena Hotel in Kigali. The conference was held under the theme “Contemporary Policing for a Safer World.”

President Kagame said that security challenges of the 21st century are increasing and sophisticated which requires collaboration to effectively combat them.

The Head of State urged Police Forces to come up with frameworks to improve security and development in the region and beyond, and enhance global Police cooperation in fighting crimes.

“Development can only take place on the foundation of law and order. Law enforcement agencies, therefore, have a crucial role in ensuring peaceful conditions within which citizens can fully participate in the prosperity and wellbeing of their communities,” he said.

He observed that security threats in one country, region or continent have far reaching consequences beyond national and natural borders.

The President emphasized that the three elements of historical mission of the police, its role in a modern integrated political and economic setting and common security threats define the nature of effective role of enforcement agencies.

“Our collective aspirations are to improve the livelihoods of our people. We can achieve this more effectively when we pull our resources and efforts,” Kagame said.

The President hailed regional Police organizations like the Eastern Africa Police Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) and similar others in South, West and Central Africa and the recent formation of a wider Police organization – African Police Organisation (AFRIPOL) – which he said are part of the answers to the current policing challenges.

Kagame underlined the need for Police forces to rethink and reshape approaches to keep criminals in check and called upon governments to support their respective Police agencies to execute their tasks effectively.

He urged participants to come up with mechanisms to establish a technology-best global framework for law enforcement, harmonize their stands, regulations, laws and practices in order to cope with reality of globalization and to safeguard the benefits of technology.

“Our people need a peaceful and secure environment to effect this transformation. This forum presents a strategic platform to optimize opportunities and check frets to our chosen path towards a safer and more prosperous world. For this to happen, increased collaboration is both inevitable and the answer.”

About 150 participants including Chiefs of Police, senior Police officers and IACP members are taking part in the conference which seeks to strengthen the professionalism, cooperation, exchange of information and experience among police forces.

The Inspector General of Rwanda National Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, commended the big turn-up of participants and urged them to continue the path to a safer continent, saying this 3rd IACP for the Sub Saharan Policing Conference comes in to enhance the existing collaboration, partnership and strengthen synergies with regional police organizations for a safer world.

The President of IACP, Mr. Yousry Zakhary, thanked the Government of Rwanda for hosting the conference and lauded Rwanda National Police for pushing cooperation of Police forces to ensure sustainable security globally.

“It’s our duty to make every possible effort to establish working partnership between Police agencies and executives throughout the world. Despite the difference between our languages, culture and even the laws we enforce, we must work together to prevail against our common enemies and fulfill our common missions,” Zakhary said.

Founded in 1893, IACP is a dynamic organization that promotes enhanced administrative, technical, and operational police practices; foster cooperation and the exchange of information and experience.