Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente has called on regional police chiefs to renew their commitment to cross-border cooperation in ensuring security and public safety.

Speaking at the closing of the 26th Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) Annual General Meeting in Kigali on Friday, January 31, Ngirente emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies.

"I call upon all of you to renew your dedication to working together across borders and build a future where safety is a reality for the people you serve,” he said.

The EAPCCO meeting and related events, which started on January 26, focused on enhancing regional security cooperation to address evolving threats, particularly those driven by digital and technological advancements.

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Ngirente commended the police chiefs for their collaborative efforts and urged them to implement the resolutions discussed during the meeting.

"We commend your spirit of working together to ensure the security of our people and the safety of their property. Today, more than ever, the necessity to cooperate and assist each other is imperative,” he noted.

He further stressed the importance of adapting policing strategies to the rapidly changing nature of crime.

"Police officers will continue to face unpredictable challenges in the line of duty. This requires us to invest in their training and development to ensure they are prepared for whatever comes their way,” the Prime Minister added.

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The Prime Minister also lauded EAPCCO’s various initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security, including joint field training exercises, sports competitions, and the inaugural Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) challenge held in Rwanda.

"These are commendable initiatives that should be upheld to strengthen bonds of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in our region,” he said.

The closing ceremony also marked the official handover of the EAPCCO Council of Ministers leadership from Burundi’s Minister of Interior, Community Development, and Public Security, Martin Niteretse—represented by Lt. Gen. Pol Andre Ndayambaje, Permanent Secretary in charge of Public Security—to Rwanda’s Minister of Interior, Vincent Biruta.

Biruta, in his remarks as the incoming chairperson, pledged to build on the progress made.

"As the incoming Chair, I am well aware of the responsibility that comes with this role. With your support and continued collaboration, we shall achieve our shared goals and ensure that our collective efforts bring meaningful impact to our region,” he said.

He emphasized the need for deeper regional cooperation and intelligence sharing to counter common security threats.

"Our strength lies in unity and collaboration. Let us commit to strengthened regional cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and best practices to tackle the security challenges we face,” Biruta added.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to fostering a safer region.

"As the incoming chairperson, I am eager to build on existing partnerships and successes. Let’s maintain the momentum to ensure our people enjoy safety and security as a given.”

South Sudan will host the 27th EAPCCO Annual General Meeting.