28 police officers from nine African countries completed the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC) at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District on Friday, June 12.
The eighth intake graduation was chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Johnston Busingye.
The event was also graced by the Inspector of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda (UR), Prof. Philip Cotton and the Deputy IGP responsible for Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda, among other officials.
The course attracted participants from Botswana, Kenya , Ethiopia, Namibia, Somalia , South Sudan, Zimbabwe and host Rwanda.
It was held in accordance with the national guidelines on combating the spread of Coronavirus.
The one year PSCSC combines both academic and professional aspects; a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation, and a Strategic Leadership and Management Level 7 certificate.
It is conducted through its Center for Conflict Management and the UK Bramshill College of Policing in collaboration with the University of Rwanda.
Minister Busingye said that, given the challenges raised by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Police Senior Command is an significant milestone in their career path, and hailed their remarkable efforts and positive attitude during the course period.
“The history of Rwanda and the journey that the people of Rwanda traveled before, during and after the tragic genocide committed against the Tutsi in 1994 taught us more than any other country that peace, security, justice, good governance and development are indissolubly interlinked,” Minister Busingye said.
“It, therefore, flows from this undeniable reality that only trained, professional, human rights abiding and disciplined law enforcement agencies, with strategic command dimension, and a full understanding of national, regional and global peace and security dynamics are inevitable to the sustainability of this nexus,” he added.
He noted that threats come from unexpected sources and directions that require effective response to the challenges of today’s globalized policing environment, the use of sophisticated crime commissioning technology, transnational organized crime and others.
Minister Busingye said that effective response to these security challenges requires regional, international and judicial cooperation, sharing of experience, as well as a harmonization of training and other programs tailored to identified challenges in law enforcement.
He stressed that collaboration is essential to combating transnational and globalized crimes, most of which are technology-based, as demonstrated by the PSCSC.
While promising continued support by the government in particular for your policing and training work, the Minister urged graduates to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired to make a difference in their respective countries as their response to today’s and tomorrow ‘s security challenges.
“The endorsements and symbols for Senior Commanders you have received should not be mere accolades to wear but rather a fresh rejuvenated start to big tasks ahead.”
UR Vice-Chancellor Prof. Philip Cotton urged graduates to prepare for new challenges ahead and be open to learning as a key to their career success every day.
“Hard work, humility and passion for the people you serve will carry you through the next phases in your life,” Prof. Cotton said.
NPC Commandant Christophe Bizimungu, Commissioner of Police (CP), said the course is designed to provide participants with qualitative skills in strategic leadership, professional policing, and a basic understanding of peace and conflict.
“It enables participants to perform command and staff functions at strategic level and enhances their ability to manage wider aspects of security,” said CP Bizimungu.
He said that the College delivered to the core of the course despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, and thanked the exemplary discipline of the participants, who were compelled to adopt the new safety restrictions including staying within the boundaries of the College throughout the rest of the course.
