The Gambian Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Ben Wilson is in Rwanda to gauge and strengthen relationship with their Rwandan counterparts in Kigali.
The Gambian IGP, Wilson, said that the relationship between RNP and The Gambian police started in March last year when IGP Gasana invited his Gambian counterpart.
“Three months later, the two forces had build a very firm relationship and I intend to nurture it, water it and see that it bears fruits…We live in a global village, I may not be able to assist the Rwandan police but I can contribute something they can improve on and better jointly improve our respective regions and Africa as a whole,” Wilson said.
He added that in Africa, police forces have common problems related to human trafficking, gender-based violence, money laundering. “We can learn a lot from RNP best practices in dealing these crimes.”
Established in 2000, RNP is celebrating its 15 years since inception and according to Wilson, “RNP has achieved a lot in just 15 years; this clearly means that nothing comes on a silver platter; you fought and worked so hard to achieve what you have and you got it.”
Meanwhile, during his time in Rwanda, Lt Gen Manyuat, said he was moved by the high level of discipline that characterizes RNP officers and added that his country intends to send more officers to Rwanda for training.
“I am highly impressed by the discipline and commitment of the RNP officers. You are a clear example of a well organized force. This is why South Sudan police force has been sending its officers for training,” he said.
Gen Manyuat added that; “We share a closely similar history this is why I we believe Rwanda is a good learning place for us. We intend to send more officers here for training in different capacities.”
Accompanied by South Sudan Deputy IGP, Lt Gen Abraham Peter Manyuat, officials were impressed by the record achievements made by Rwanda National Police (RNP) in 15 years since the force’s inception.
The two officers who were in the country to attend the third graduation of Police Senior Command and Staff ceremony also paid a courtesy call on the IGP Emmanuel K Gasana and toured several RNP departments to learn more from their Rwandan counterparts.
Gasana briefed the two delegates about RNP’s operations, the force’s efforts in fighting contemporary and cross-border crimes, and pointed out that the concept of cooperation informs the force on how to reshape policing to match with new trends.
“We are law enforcers whose mandate is to ensure safety and security of the people, in doing that, reshaping policies becomes worthy. In this quest, we are not isolated,” Gasana told the two officers at RNP Headquarters.
He further pointed out that some of the crimes that form a new behavior in the policing regime include terrorism, cyber crimes, cross-border crimes, corruption, organized crimes and political issues related to ideologies that affect security.
“But we have strategic actions to counter these issues. For future prospects, we shall be seeking your cooperation to ensure that organized and cross-border crimes are prevented. We may have some challenges that are external but we are committed and determined to ensure maximum security,” the IGP said.
He added that RNP has an open door policy to farther its partnership and cooperation with continental police forces.
The two officers also visited Police Training School in Gishari, Rwamagana to acquire vast knowledge on police trainings and drills.