Rwanda, Angola sign deal to bolster security, public order

It also allows searches within Rwanda and Angola of objects containing numbering or special identification signs, such as vehicles, firearms, bankers and passports in conformity with the existing laws of respective countries.

Thursday, February 28, 2019
Minister Busingye (L) and his Angolan counterpart Angelo de Barros da Veiga Tavares during the signing in Luanda, Angola. Courtesy

Rwanda and Angola have signed a deal that will see both countries cooperate in security and public order in the interest of their citizens. The agreement was signed on Tuesday in the Angolan capital Luanda, between Johnston Busingye, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General and Angelo de Barros da Veiga Tavares, the Angolan Interior Minister. Busingye was in Angola for an official visit that ended Wednesday. According to the agreement, the areas of cooperation include technical advice and information exchange in law enforcement where focus will be put on the fight against violent crimes, terrorist acts, corruption as well as organized transnational crimes. The two countries will also cooperate in fighting money laundering, illicit manufacturing, stockpiling, using and trafficking of fire arms, ammunition, explosives, toxic substances including nuclear, biological and radioactive materials. Among other things the cooperation will look at combating illicit manufacturing, stockpiling and trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotopic substances and precursors, economic crimes including legalization of illegal products. The deal also looks at joint effort against production and sale of counterfeit money, documents, insurance, and values of bank transfers.

READ ALSO: Angola waives visa requirements for Rwandans The two countries also agreed to partner to fight high tech crimes, human trafficking, illicit dealing in mineral and wildlife products, hijacking, crimes against citizens property, organized crime against sexual independence, especially related to minors, as well as the production, diffusion and distribution of pornographic contents with minors participation. The two parties also signed to corporate in training and sourcing of equipment in the areas of public order maintenance, road, traffic safety, civil protection and fire management, exchange of delegations, public order maintenance, road traffic control and safety, criminal investigation service management, prison service management, civil protection and fire management, scientific research, development of data systems. Among other things, the agreement will look at the development of sports and cultural activities of the law enforcement personnel of the parties. It also allows searches within Rwanda and Angola of objects containing numbering or special identification signs, such as vehicles, firearms, bankers and passports in conformity with the existing laws of respective countries should be handed over to the country where they are registered. This agreement, however, is not applicable to extradition and mutual legal assistance on criminal matters, according to officials. The pact also covers exchange of working experience including the conducting of presentation training, consultations and seminars. Exchange of legislation and other legal instruments

The visit by Busingye to Angola was reciprocal to one made by his counterpart in May last year.