Senate to probe cross-border crimes

The Senate is launching investigations into cross-border crimes. This was revealed Monday as the Director General of Immigration and Emigration Directorate, Anaclet Kalibata, appeared before the Senatorial Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security. Kalibata had been summoned to shed light on the status of crimes at border posts and airports across the country. Senators later decided that they will soon undertake field visits at all the border posts to investigate how they are working and come up with concrete mechanisms to fight the said crimes. Jean Damascene Bizimana, the committee chairperson, said among the key issues to be followed up is examining the threat of human trafficking, drug trafficking/abuse, and terrorism. “We want to check the operations at all entry points and devise possible mechanisms to curb these crimes,” he said. Human trafficking, cyber crimes, money laundering, arms and drug trafficking and terrorism are among those that have become prevalent in the region in the recent past. “A survey conducted recently reveals that the rest of the crimes are linked to drug abuse and human trafficking,” the Senator said. Rwanda has 22 entry points (including airports) across the country, with 18 operational border posts. The Senate’s survey on the human trafficking and drug abuse indicated that most drugs are smuggled into the country from neighbouring countries through porous borders, with a few exceptions from outside the region. “After the investigations, we shall come up with resolutions which shall inform government action,” Bizimana said. Rwanda has embraced a number of mechanisms to ease cross border movement of goods and people, including online visa applications and issuance of entry visa upon arrival at any entry point, as well as the use Identity Cards as a travel document. This has helped increase the number of entries by 14 times, since 2012, according to figures from the Immigration directorate. Legislators raised concern that this might pose security implications. About 14 million of total entry was registered between July 2013 and June2014, according to Kalibata. “We get about 160 online visa applicants daily,” Kalibata said. This year, Kigali International Airport has seen about 55 flights per day, up from 39 flights in January 2012, he added. However, the Immigration and Emmigration Directorate boss said; “...as much as we want to welcome people to Rwanda, we do not compromise security.” Kalibata said there are several intelligence mechanisms that have been developed to counter any insecurity elements that might try to abuse the ease of movement.

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Senate to probe cross-border crimes