Rwanda has officially taken over the leadership of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) from Burundi during the 26th EAPCCO Annual General Assembly. The outgoing Chairperson, Brigadier General of Police Joseph Ninteretse, the Inspector General of Burundi's National Police, expressed optimism about the organization's future under Rwanda's stewardship.  

A Smooth Handover and Commitment to Regional Security

Speaking during the handover ceremony, General Ninteretse emphasized that the transition signifies continued growth and dedication to regional security. "As I hand over this responsibility, I am proud to leave the organization in capable hands. I am confident that under Rwanda's leadership, the region will achieve even greater milestones," he said.  

Ninteretse praised the warm hospitality he received in Rwanda and called on all participants to work collaboratively to address the region's lingering security challenges. He underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation and information sharing among member states to ensure the safety of citizens.  

“As EAPCCO, we must unite, share intelligence, and leverage collective expertise to combat terrorism and other transnational crimes. This requires cross-border cooperation beyond individual countries' politics, focusing on our shared security objectives,” Ninteretse remarked.  

He also highlighted that, during Burundi's tenure, EAPCCO achieved significant milestones, including signing a strategic partnership agreement with China to bolster regional security efforts.   

Rwanda’s Vision for EAPCCO

The new EAPCCO Chairperson, Rwanda's Inspector General of Police, Commissioner General Félix Namuhoranye, pledged to fulfill his one-year mandate with dedication. He emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among member states to tackle persistent security threats in the region.  

“I am aware of the responsibilities that come with this role. With your support, I am confident we can achieve much. This region faces several security challenges, but these can be overcome through unity and effective collaboration,” CG Namuhoranye assured the assembly.  

He reiterated Rwanda's commitment to fostering regional cooperation and leveraging technology and innovation to enhance crime prevention, investigation, and response.  

Call for Action from Regional Leaders

Dr. Vincent Biruta, Rwanda's Minister of Internal Security, who presided over the assembly's opening, called on police forces in the region to prioritize collaboration, information sharing, and mutual support to combat crime and ensure citizens' safety.  

"Our shared responsibility is to build a secure and peaceful region. This can only be achieved through partnerships and effective coordination," Dr. Biruta stated.  

Divergence in Representation

The 14-member EAPCCO comprises police forces from Eastern African countries. However, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was notably absent from the assembly. Its flag was represented by a bearer, but no delegates attended, raising questions about its participation in future activities.  

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

The assembly emphasized the need for innovative strategies to counter evolving criminal tactics, including harnessing technology, intelligence gathering, and cross-border collaborations. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively to address shared security concerns, particularly terrorism and organized crime.  

As Rwanda takes on this crucial leadership role, the region looks forward to an era of strengthened partnerships and impactful solutions to security challenges.

Rwanda has officially taken over the leadership of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) from Burundi during the 26th EAPCCO Annual General Assembly. The outgoing Chairperson, Brigadier General of Police Joseph Ninteretse, the Inspector General of Burundi's National Police, expressed optimism about the organization's future under Rwanda's stewardship.  

A Smooth Handover and Commitment to Regional Security

Speaking during the handover ceremony, General Ninteretse emphasized that the transition signifies continued growth and dedication to regional security. "As I hand over this responsibility, I am proud to leave the organization in capable hands. I am confident that under Rwanda's leadership, the region will achieve even greater milestones," he said.  

Ninteretse praised the warm hospitality he received in Rwanda and called on all participants to work collaboratively to address the region's lingering security challenges. He underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation and information sharing among member states to ensure the safety of citizens.  

“As EAPCCO, we must unite, share intelligence, and leverage collective expertise to combat terrorism and other transnational crimes. This requires cross-border cooperation beyond individual countries' politics, focusing on our shared security objectives,” Ninteretse remarked.  

He also highlighted that, during Burundi's tenure, EAPCCO achieved significant milestones, including signing a strategic partnership agreement with China to bolster regional security efforts.   

Rwanda’s Vision for EAPCCO

The new EAPCCO Chairperson, Rwanda's Inspector General of Police, Commissioner General Félix Namuhoranye, pledged to fulfill his one-year mandate with dedication. He emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among member states to tackle persistent security threats in the region.  

“I am aware of the responsibilities that come with this role. With your support, I am confident we can achieve much. This region faces several security challenges, but these can be overcome through unity and effective collaboration,” CG Namuhoranye assured the assembly.  

He reiterated Rwanda's commitment to fostering regional cooperation and leveraging technology and innovation to enhance crime prevention, investigation, and response.  

Call for Action from Regional Leaders

Dr. Vincent Biruta, Rwanda's Minister of Internal Security, who presided over the assembly's opening, called on police forces in the region to prioritize collaboration, information sharing, and mutual support to combat crime and ensure citizens' safety.  

"Our shared responsibility is to build a secure and peaceful region. This can only be achieved through partnerships and effective coordination," Dr. Biruta stated.  

Divergence in Representation

The 14-member EAPCCO comprises police forces from Eastern African countries. However, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was notably absent from the assembly. Its flag was represented by a bearer, but no delegates attended, raising questions about its participation in future activities.  

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

The assembly emphasized the need for innovative strategies to counter evolving criminal tactics, including harnessing technology, intelligence gathering, and cross-border collaborations. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively to address shared security concerns, particularly terrorism and organized crime.  

As Rwanda takes on this crucial leadership role, the region looks forward to an era of strengthened partnerships and impactful solutions to security challenges.