The Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta, has called on dozens of African law enforcement officers to maintain a lifelong commitment to learning and collaboration to be able to prevent and combat crimes effectively. Biruta was speaking at the graduation of 34 law enforcement officers from Rwanda and eight other African countries at the National Police College in Musanze District, June 20. The officers are the 13th intake of the Police Senior Command and Staff Course. “Learning is a continuous process,” Biruta told the graduates. “As you are celebrating today, remember that no matter how successful you have been, there is still more to go and more to achieve.” The minister noted the increasing complexity of security challenges in a globalized and technologically advanced world. Thus, law enforcement agencies must rise to meet these evolving demands by fostering professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights. “Conflict is a constant feature of human society, he said. In today’s world, globalisation has made law enforcement more challenging and multifaceted. To retain peace and security, it requires even greater efforts, not only to prevent and combat crime, but also to address the root causes of conflict.” The year-long programme brought senior police officers from Botswana, the Central Africa Republic, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan and the host Rwanda. They completed the academic and leadership training aimed at sharpening their strategic and operational capabilities in modern-day policing and security management. The course was jointly offered by the Rwanda National Police, the University of Rwanda, and the African Leadership University. Biruta pointed out that regional and international cooperation is important, especially in addressing transnational crimes, terrorism, and cyber threats, which have no borders. “I wish to thank all African countries that sent students to attend these courses. This is a sign that African nations are working together to find solutions to our challenges and contributing to building the continent we want,” he said. Biruta stated that the course goes beyond academic content as it provides a platform for building solidarity and networks among African police forces. Through the sharing of experiences and the exchange of information, countries can develop joint strategies to address common threats. “Training programmes like these are crucial tools for encouraging such cooperation. They provide a forum for designing collective responses to shared security challenges,” he added. Among the courses was the Senior Command and Staff component, which is designed to prepare officers for strategic roles that require foresight, ethical judgment, and a high level of skills, strategy, and nuance in planning and execution. A Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management, equipping leaders to make complex decisions under pressure and navigate change effectively. The officers also did a master’s degree in peace studies and conflict transformation, addressing the urgent need to understand, mediate, and resolve conflict in a world of growing polarization. The acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Assoc. Prof Didas Kayihura, said that the work of peace-builders and conflict transformation experts is more vital than ever as the world is increasingly marked by tension and volatility. He congratulated the law enforcement officers for choosing to be part of the solution. The knowledge and competencies you have acquired at the National Police College, through this Masters Programme, place you at the heart of continental and global efforts to promote sustainable peace, Kayihura said. From mediation to negotiation, from conflict analysis to post-conflict reconstruction, you are now better equipped to lead with compassion, wisdom, and vision. Veda Sunassee, the Chief Executive Office of African Leadership University, said that the graduation reflects a vision rooted in trust, purpose, and progress. He urged them to carry on with the values of integrity, excellence and nation-building, which are the pillar of the programme. Commissioner of Police Rafiki Mujiji, the Commandant of National Police College urged the graduates to inspire trust in their leadership roles. “In an era where security challenges are transnational and increasingly unconventional, our leaders must be thinkers as much as they are doers,” said Mujiji. “You now carry with you more than a certificate or a degree. You carry a responsibility to your institutions, your nations, and to the people whose safety and dignity rest in your hands as leaders,” he noted. “You’ve been prepared to lead in a world that is constantly changing, unpredictable, and sometimes harsh. You will be called upon to make decisions not just with intelligence but with integrity; not just with strategy, but with empathy,” he added.
