Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Félix Namuhoranye assumed responsibility as the new chairperson of EAPCCO, succeeding Brigadier General Joseph Ninteretse, the IGP of Burundi National Police, at the 26th EAPCCO Council of Police Chiefs Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Kigali.
The 26th EAPCCO AGM, themed 'Strengthening Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation to Counter Terrorism, Transnational Organized, and Emerging Crimes,' was opened by Minister of Interior Vincent Biruta. The meeting was attended by police chiefs and their representatives from EAPCCO member states.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Kigali Convention Centre, Ninteretse emphasized that the transition of leadership to Rwanda signifies that the organization will continue to expand and fulfil its responsibilities in promoting regional security.
'As I hand over the leadership today, I am proud to leave this position in good hands. I believe the region will achieve great things during this term of EAPCCO leadership,' he said.
Ninteretse also praised the warm welcome he received in Rwanda and wished the participants of the AGM success in collaborating to find solutions to ongoing regional issues.
He stated that police forces in the region should strengthen cooperation and information sharing to effectively manage the security of citizens in member countries.
'As EAPCCO, we must come together in collaboration, sharing information and expertise to combat terrorism. We cannot achieve this unless we work together, with our police forces collaborating beyond borders, setting aside political differences and focusing on our shared goals,' he emphasized.
He highlighted that criminals have changed their tactics, and therefore, new strategies, including regional cooperation in data collection, crime investigation, and the use of technology, should be implemented to counter these evolving threats.
He also noted that during Burundi's leadership of EAPCCO, significant achievements had been made, including signing a cooperation agreement with China.
On his part, Rwanda's police chief, Namuhoranye, affirmed that the responsibilities entrusted to him for leading EAPCCO over the next year would be carried out diligently for the benefit of the member states.
'I understand the responsibilities that come with this position. But one thing I know is that, with your support, we will achieve much,' he said.
'As you all know, the region faces security challenges, but these challenges can be overcome. The key is to preserve and promote unity, cooperation in fulfilling the organization's duties,' he added.
Minister Biruta also called on the police forces in the region to strengthen collaboration, foster good cooperation, and share information in the fight against crime and to promote security for the people of the region.
Founded in 1998 in Kampala, Uganda, EAPCCO was established as a regional response to the increasing threat posed by transnational and organized crimes. The organization aims to unite law enforcement agencies in Eastern Africa to combat these shared threats.
The 14 member countries of EAPCCO include Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Comoros, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Seychelles, and Somalia.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-assumes-eapcco-chairmanship
