Kagame challenges police forces to go high-tech to curb crimes

President Paul Kagame in a group photo at the 84th General Assembly of Interpol.

The president of the republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame has challenged police forces across the global to adopt technology innovations in a bid to cope up with global complexities as they curb down crimes.

 President Kagame said that police forces play a pertinent role in ensuring national, international collective security since they are seen as government frontline officers entrusted with noble but difficult task of protecting citizens.

“To measure to this task, you must continue to embrace new and innovative communication technology and reduce flaw by closing the digital capability gap between the developed and developing countries

 This could be achieved, “through global policing partnerships, training and information sharing. Such a gap can only serve to the advantage of criminals, he said while officially opening the 84th session of the general Assembly of Interpol on Monday in Kigali.

He adds, “Security is one single aspect of our lives that we can afford to neglect only at our own peril.”

The president further reminded police forces that they are charged with the responsibility of updating their authorities on degree and trends of national and transnational organized crimes, which requires a better understanding of the dimensions and proposals for solutions.

Police forces can do this if they are informed and have a better understanding on the crime organization and this is possible as president notes through networking, information sharing and concerted action.

“You have the necessary structures at a continental and global levels in coordination with those regional organizations provide a window of opportunity to address the emerging security threats,” The President explained.

President Kagame hailed Interpol and the international community for helping Rwanda to track down fugitive of the Rwandan genocide against Tutsi in 1994 as well as other organized crime groups that threat the security of citizens across the world.

“Even those who are at large, remain haunted not by their conscience because they never had any, but by the possibility being held accountable for their deeds,” he said.

The president who pledged Rwanda’s continued support to Interpol asked Delegates to come up with viable solutions to the complex security problems identified partnerships that will enhance global efforts on fighting transnational crimes and other sophisticated security concerns.

Rwanda currently is hunting for 410 fugitives who are behind the masterminding, financing or fully participating in the   genocide against Tutsi in 1994 that saw lives of over 1 million of Tutsi perished in only 100 days.

Jürgen Stock, the secretary general of Interpol noted that Rwanda’s   approach towards inclusive and support and commitment to providing peace across the globe is remarkable and sets an example for other countries.

Stock noted that the 84^th Interpol session of the general Assembly will focus on towards global perspectives on policing in 21^st century.

“Just as the world successful nationals continue to adapt to changing global complexities, police forces need to be extremely innovative to counter threats caused by transnational crime,” he said.

The general Assembly of Interpol attracted that attracted over 700 delegates from 145 countries is expected to draw strategies on policing on security issues.