Rwanda and Burundi recommit to combating cross-border crime

NGOZI - The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel Gasana, yesterday, met with his Burundian counterpart, Fabien Ndayishimiye, and the two affirmed their countries’ commitment to combat trans-border crimes. As part of the bilateral cooperation, the Police heads reviewed the status of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on security matters between two countries. During the meeting held in Ngozi Province in Burundi, the Police chiefs held talks on the follow up of the implementation of the recommendations of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) held in Huye, Rwanda on Jan 5, 2010. The meeting was officially opened by the Governor of Ngozi, Jean Claude Nahayo who, after welcoming the Rwandan delegation, emphasised the importance of security and hailed the cooperation between Rwanda and Burundi Police as necessary and vital in the lives of the two nations,” “The Director General of Burundi Police and the Inspector General of Rwanda Police gave general remarks underscoring the importance of the cooperation between the police of the two countries,” a Joint communiqué released by the two countries states. “They highlighted the crime trends prevalent across the bordering districts of the countries, recommending close collaboration in combating the trend. Presentations on the state of security were made by both Burundi and Rwanda delegations,” it adds. During their meeting, the Police Chiefs reiterated the importance of information sharing, joint operations, exchange of best practice particularly in combating theft of motor-vehicles and motorcycles, drugs trafficking and human trafficking. Other major crimes discussed include armed robbery, terrorism, counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs, counterfeit currency, money laundering, cyber crime, fugitive tracking and other forms of organised criminal syndicates. The two countries agreed on exchange programs, share of best practices, trainings, formal educations (Police University), study tours, familiarisation and confidence building tours among other things. Rwanda and Burundi also resolved to carry out joint, simultaneous operations geared towards border security and tracking of criminals. Ends

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Rwanda and Burundi recommit to combating cross-border crime