To enhance crime prevention and detection across eastern Africa, Rwanda’s Minister of Interior, Vincent Biruta, has called for continued collaboration in security and law enforcement among member states of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO). ALSO READ: Namuhoranye calls for regional efforts to tackle criminal networks at police meeting He delivered his remarks on Wednesday, January 29, during the 26th EAPCCO annual meeting held in Kigali, which focused on strengthening regional cross-border security cooperation. The event also marked the official handover of EAPCCO’s leadership from Burundi’s Brig. Gen. Joseph Ninteretse, who had served as chairman for one year, to Rwanda’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye. The 26th EAPCCO meeting was held under the theme ‘Strengthening Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation to Counter Terrorism, Transnational, Organised and Emerging Crimes,’ highlighting the region’s ambition to combat crimes. Speaking to security officials and country representatives, Minister Biruta emphasised the importance of the meeting in shaping the region’s security policies. “This kind of gathering brings together decision makers responsible for National Police and provides direction in security and law enforcement matters in the EAPCCO region with the sole aim of making our region safer,” he noted. “This is a testament to the strong will to cooperate in our region with a view to ensuring security and a safer living environment to our people,” he added. Biruta stressed that the meeting sends “a powerful message to criminal network hat we are determined to prevent them from succeeding in their plans to commit crimes in our region and beyond.” He pointed out that syndicates of transnational organised crimes have become highly connected across borders, becoming more complex and sophisticated which allows them to commit various crimes. Biruta also underscored the role of modern technology in fueling crime across the region. “This has been enabled by fast-growing access to modern technologies, including internet connectivity, that have improved the livelihoods of our citizens but are also used by criminals,” he noted. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Ethiopia police ink pact to combat terrorism Police chiefs speak out IGP Namuhoranye emphasised the critical role of collaboration and intelligence sharing in crime prevention. “Issues of terrorism, cyber crimes, drug trafficking, and human smuggling among others can only be effectively dealt with if we dedicate ourselves to sharing timely information and intelligence, conducting joint operations, and ensuring that our officers are well-trained and well-equipped for the task,” he said. He reiterated the need for law enforcement officers to be proactive in crime prevention and detection. “It is thus imperative that we continue to strengthen cooperation in security and law enforcement so that we collectively ensure that the security agenda bears tangible results for the benefit of our citizens,” he added. Namuhoranye also emphasised the importance of strengthening EAPCCO’s institutional capacity to ensure the organisation remains effective in addressing security threats. “For proper coordination, we'll need to strengthen capacities of the EAPCCO secretariat and committees to enable them to keep our organization moving,” he said. “This task is not just for the chair, it is our collective responsibility. As a region, let's commit ourselves to fostering an environment where joint actions and where joint trainings are prioritised,” he added. Brig. Gen. Ninteretse commended the police chiefs for their effort in ensuring EAPCCO’s success and cooperation to keep the region safe. “I wish to commend you all for your tireless contribution to the regional and international law enforcement cooperation that also contributes to keep the region safe,” he noted. He urged EAPCCO’s member countries to work together and use available resources, most especially the Interpol policing tools, in the fight against transnational terrorism.
