Tuesday July 12, 2022
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza, on
Monday, July 11, received his Somali counterpart, Maj. Gen. Abdi Hassan Mahamed
at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru and discussed
ways to further strengthen cooperation in various policing areas.
During the bilateral meeting, Munyuza expressed RNP's
commitment to further improve cooperation between the two law enforcement
institutions mainly through capacity building and exchange of experiences.
In 2011, RNP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with
Somali Police Force mainly in training. Since then, 11 Somali Police officers
have been trained in Rwanda, including six senior officers, who attended the
Police Senior Command and Staff Course and five at the Intermediate command
course.
"This is an opportunity for us to discuss as we
endeavour to explore more areas of cooperation to include; sharing of
information and intelligence in fighting international organized crime, and
terrorism that continues to pose a threat to national, regional and
international security," IGP Munyuza said.
The visit, he added, paves way to establish more formal
collaboration channels through which communication will be much easier
especially while sharing information on matters of security.
"We are happy to share with you our policing
experience. Rwanda National Police remains committed to cooperate with Somali
Police Force for the mutual benefit of our countries’ safety and
security," Munyuza reiterated.
On his part, the Police Commissioner for Somali Police Force
(SPF), Maj Gen Abdi Hassan Mahamed, acknowledged the RNP's "support in
promoting security, peace-building and the rule of law."
"Historically, the Somali Police Force was founded in
1943 but collapsed in 1991 as all other institutions of our country...but was
re-established from scratch in the year 2000 after the reconciliation process
that was done in Djibouti”.
Today, after a long struggle and the re-establishment, we
can say that the Somali Police Force is functioning across the country to
deliver Police services to protect citizens and their property," Maj Gen
Abdi said.
Over the last 15 years, Maj Gen Abdi said that the Somali
Police Force has upgraded its capacity and has gained experience in dealing
with terrorists and criminal networks.
He, however, added that although the new police force prides
itself for its trustworthy service to the public, the threat of Al-Shabaab
terrorists in the country and other transnational organized criminal networks
continue to evolve.
Increasing the number of senior officers in Police Senior
Command and Staff Course as well as tactical and junior officers, the Somali
Police Chief said, will impact the future transformation of Somali Police Force.
"Somali Police Force is committed and needs extensive
support from Rwanda National Police for its mandate and legal framework, which
will lead to a safer and secure nation without fear, intimidation, abuse,
violence or any other unlawful acts," Abdi said.
During his week-long official visit to Rwanda, Maj Gen Abdi will tour various
RNP facilities including departments and schools.