Rwanda and South Sudan police chiefs held discussions, yesterday, to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas of policing. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana and his counterpart from South Sudan, Gen. Majak Akec Malok, led their respective delegations in a meeting held at the Rwanda National Police headquarters in Kacyiru, Gasabo District. IGP Gasana said the two police institutions have enjoyed cordial relations since formalising their cross-border cooperation in an agreement signed in May 2012. “Rwanda National Police has prioritised, among others, cross-border cooperation to join efforts to fight cross-border and transnational organised crimes, and this partnership signifies our commitment to work together to ensure safety and security of our region,” IGP Gasana said. He pledged further commitment, to deepen the policing partnership especially in areas of exchange of best practices, capacity building especially through training, and exchange of information and criminals as outlined in the memorandum of understanding between the two institutions. On his part, Gen. Malok said: “This (Rwanda) is the first country that has invited us and I have visited since my appointment as IGP last month. It is also the first country with which we signed a bilateral agreement with in terms of capacity building in areas of operations, security and intelligence; fighting organised crime related to cyber and human trafficking… it is a progressive and productive partnership.” At least 49 police officers from South Sudan have attended varied training courses in Rwanda, including senior command and staff course, intermediate and supervisory courses, as well as the cadet course. “This is a unique partnership,” Gen. Malok added. He also commended the role of Rwandan peacekeepers in ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in South Sudan. RNP maintains about 430 police officers in South Sudan, including a Formed Police Unit (FPU) hybrid of 240 officers, and another FPU of about 160 officers. Others work as advisors and mentors. During his three-day visit, Gen. Malok and his delegation will also visit Isange One Stop Centre to see how RNP responds to gender-based violence and child abuse, as well as RNP schools. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
