Twenty-eight Police officers from nine African countries, on Friday, June 12 successfully completed the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC) at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District. The graduation of the eighth intake was presided over by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye. The event was also graced by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza, University of Rwanda (UR) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Philip Cotton and the Deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda, among other officials. The course attracted participants from Botswana, Central African Republic, Kenya, Ethiopia, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, Zimbabwe and Rwanda, the host. It was held in line with the national guidelines on fighting the spread of the novel Coronavirus. The one-year PSCSC combines both academic and professional aspects; a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation, and a level 7 certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management. It is conducted in partnership with the University of Rwanda through its Center for Conflict Management and the UK Bramshill College of Policing. Minister Busingye said that the Police Senior Command is an important milestone in their career path, and hailed their remarkable efforts and positive attitude demonstrated during the course period, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The history of Rwanda and the journey that the people of Rwanda traveled before, during and after the tragic genocide committed against the Tutsi in 1994 taught us more than any other country that peace, security, justice, good governance and development are indissolubly interlinked,” Minister Busingye said. “It, therefore, flows from this undeniable reality that only trained, professional, human rights abiding and disciplined law enforcement agencies, with strategic command dimension, and a full understanding of national, regional and global peace and security dynamics are inevitable to the sustainability of this nexus,” he added. He noted that threats come from unexpected sources and directions, which requires effective response to the challenges of the contemporary policing environment associated with globalization, use of sophisticated technology in the commission of crime, transnational organized crime and others. Effective response to these security challenges, Minister Busingye said, requires regional, international and judicial cooperation, experience sharing as well as the harmonization of training and other programmes tailored to identified law enforcement challenges. He emphasized that cooperation is key in addressing transnational and globalized crimes most of which are technology-based, which the PSCSC reflects. While pledging the Government’s continued support to your work of policing and training in particular, the Minister urged the graduands to use the acquired knowledge and skills to make a difference in their respective countries as their response to security challenges of today and tomorrow. “The endorsements and symbols for Senior Commanders you have received should not be mere accolades to wear but rather a fresh rejuvenated start to big tasks ahead.” The UR Vice-Chancellor Prof. Philip Cotton urged the graduands to prepare for new challenges ahead and be open to learning every day as key to success in their career. “Hard work, humility and passion for the people you serve will carry you through the next phases in your life,” Prof. Cotton said. The Commandant of NPC, Commissioner of Police (CP) Christophe Bizimungu said that the course is designed to equip participants with quality skills in strategic leadership, professional policing as well as a critical understanding of peace and conflict. “It enables participants to perform command and staff functions at strategic level and enhances their ability to manage wider aspects of security,” said CP Bizimungu. He said that the College delivered to the core of the course despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, and thanked the exemplary discipline of the participants, who were compelled to adopt the new safety restrictions including staying within the boundaries of the College throughout the rest of the course. Participants of the PSCSC during the graduation ceremony. Courtesy
