Rwandans along Burundi border pledge collaboration with security organs in community policing

Yanditswe Dec, 12 2019 13:55 PM | 2,030 Views

Southern Province residents living in Districts that border Burundi and Nyungwe Forest have noted that development will be difficult if they do not have security. This is why they pledged to partner with security organs in community policing and safeguarding the areas, starting from their immediate locality. This comes as two Cabinet Members and the Chief of Defense Staff visited the area.

Local leaders in Gisagara District of the Southern Province say they have been cracking down on the security problems that had plagued their area and positive results have begun to show, unlike before when they were constantly grappling with the issue.

"Concerning Security, people used to tie their domestic animals to their beds, afraid that they would be stolen in the night. If we do not properly monitor the Nyungwe Forest, those who try hide in it would continuously bother local residents, stealing and such." Julienne Kanziga, a local leader in Nyamagabe district told RBA.

General Jean Bosco Kazura, the RDF Chief of Defense Staff urges people that live in the area to work with security organs to ensure that the progress they have been making is not lost.

"If we decide that a certain marshland needs to be properly prepared, let us seek to do it ourselves, then we can turn to our leaders for assistance when we get stuck. This has to be the initiative of the people," Gen. Kazura said, adding; "If we do that, no one will be able to divide us. The men you see here have the power to fight the enemy, but they need your strength. They need to work with you, use them and see if they do not deliver. Let the people be able to come to you and tell you if they see something wrong. If they are not able to reach you, others will get to them. Can't we resolve this right now, right here?"

The local residents were reminded that development is only possible with hard work and that security must be unshakable.

Prof Anastase Shyaka, Minister of Local Government said; "We visited these 4 Districts because we want the social welfare of local residents to improve. In the entire country, as you know, security is the foundation of long term development. So we want that security to continue being unshakable, both here and elsewhere, day and night. For that to be possible, local residents must play their part, so that our country continues to have stable security."

The Meeting brought together Government Officials, Security Organs, Provincial Officials and Local Leaders from the Districts of Nyamagabe, Huye, Nyaruguru, Gisagara, as well as a number of Sectors in Nyanza District.