Rwanda National Police (RNP) is urging for strong public partnership to promote road safety and stem crimes of drug trafficking, abuse and domestic violence.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel K. Gasana said this would complement their efforts in ensuring the country’s safety and security.

The Police Chief made the call yesterday while meeting over 1200 grassroots leaders, transporters and taxi-moto operators in Nyagatare District.

The meeting focused on strengthening the fight against drug abuse and promoting road safety under the ongoing Road Safety awareness Month.’

"It is important to work together for common interests in advancing a sustainably secure Rwanda. Through community policing, we can together more effectively and efficiently identify and restrain crime such as drug abuse, and avert the fear of crime,” he said.

"There are individuals or groups of trouble makers in neighborhoods and the country at large. But through a mutual partnership and national values, we can deal with such elements and collectively improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

He further urged the leaders to refrain from facilitating or involvement in illegal acts, including drug trafficking and smuggling.

The Governor of the Eastern Province, Odette Uwamariya who presided over the meeting, challenged locals to embrace community policing in their localities to promote quick flow of information to prevent crime.

She also warned taxi transporters and taxi-moto operators against violating traffic rules, which contributes to fatal accidents.

Governor Uwamariya emphasised the need for information sharing on crimes especially drug dealers, adding that it is an essential element in crime prevention. Nyagatare is said to be among the main transit routes for the varied trafficked brands of liquor banned in Rwanda, including crude waragi (Kanyanga), Sky Blue and Chief Waragi among others.

The illegal business is blamed on taxi-moto operators and drivers of public vehicles among other suspects.

Governor Uwamariya commended police for seeking close collaboration with the public.

"Motorcyclists are expected to be exemplary in their valued income generating business. Rather than collaborating with criminals to facilitate a crime or transporting stolen equipment, you should work with Police and local leaders to apprehend suspects,” she noted.

The governor pledged to effectively partner with police to turn back crime in the province.

The Mayor of Nyagatare, Fred Sabiti Atuhe promised to take the existing policing partnership with Police to another level.

Rwanda National Police signed a Memorandum of Understanding with all districts in the country to partner in crime prevention and human security.

Through its human security initiatives, Police have been supporting motorcycle associations through motorbike and cash donations in a bid to contribute to the country’s poverty alleviation agenda.

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