IGP Namuhoranye calls for unified action against criminal networks at EAPCCO summit #rwanda #RwOT

The police chief made the remarks during the official opening of the 49th EAPCCO Permanent Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting in Kigali on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Addressing the gathering of heads of criminal investigations and Interpol central bureaus from 14 East African countries, IGP Namuhoranye emphasized the importance of collective resolve in combating evolving threats like terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, and organized financial crimes.

He stressed that criminal fugitives should not be able to find safe havens across the region's borders, calling for more collaborative efforts in intelligence sharing and operational coordination.

'Your resolve should send a strong message to criminals and fugitives in the region that they will not find safe havens across our borders,' said IGP Namuhoranye.

The meeting, which is part of ongoing efforts by the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO), serves as a platform for member countries to discuss security concerns and align strategies to tackle transnational crime.

IGP Namuhoranye urged the police chiefs to enhance the capacities of investigators and harmonize operational approaches to improve regional policing efforts.

The event comes ahead of the 26th EAPCCO Annual General Meeting, which will take place on January 29, 2025, at Kigali Convention Centre.

The 49th PCC meeting includes discussions on critical security issues such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, with key sessions including counter-terrorism and cybercrime subcommittee meetings.

EAPCCO's regional cooperation aims to consolidate efforts to disrupt criminal activity, particularly human trafficking, illicit drug trade, and intellectual property crimes, which have become increasingly sophisticated across the region.

Africa Apollo Sendahangarwa, the CEO of EAPCCO and Head of the Interpol Regional Bureau, also reinforced the need for a unified approach to combat these crimes. He highlighted the use of modern technologies by criminals and the financing of terrorism, urging member countries to work together to effectively counter these threats.

The ongoing PCC meeting is expected to lead to more coordinated and actionable plans in addressing the growing challenges posed by transnational criminal networks in the region.

IGP Namuhoranye makes his remarks during the official opening of the 49th EAPCCO Permanent Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting in Kigali on Monday, January 27, 2025.

The meeting is part of ongoing efforts by the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO).

The meeting serves as a platform for member countries to discuss security concerns and align strategies to tackle transnational crime.

IGP Namuhoranye urged the police chiefs to enhance the capacities of investigators and harmonize operational approaches to improve regional policing efforts.