The Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta (photo) has assumed responsibility as the new chairperson of the ‘Council of Ministers’ from the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO).
Rwanda took over from Burundi, on Friday, January 31, during the 24th Council of Ministers, and will head the 14-member organization for the next one year.
In his speech, Dr. Biruta thanked his predecessor for his contribution towards advancing the vision and values of EAPCCO.
“As the incoming chair, I am well aware of the responsibility that comes with this role. With your support and continued collaboration, we shall achieve our shared goals and ensure that our collective efforts bring about meaningful impact in our region,” Dr. Biruta said.
As leaders in the realm of security, he added, they are entrusted with the duty of creating a safe and secure environment for the people.
“This is a duty that demands us to tighten our bonds and commitment to jointly confront and neutralize common security threats. Let us, therefore, recommit ourselves to strengthen regional collaboration, ensure that we share available intelligence, and best practices to tackle the challenges we face,” he said.
He added: “Our power lies in unity and cooperation, and we should work in tandem to protect and serve our people effectively.”
Brigadier General Andre Ndayambaje, the Permanent Secretary in charge of Public Security in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Community Development and Public Safety in Burundi, emphasized close collaboration and intelligence sharing against emerging security threats in the region, which are mainly cross-border in nature, such as terrorism, counterfeits, financial crimes, cyber and human trafficking.
He also called for joint training and simultaneous operations, and strengthening collaboration with the local communities to fight radicalization.
The 26th EAPCCO AGM was held under the theme: “Strengthening Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation to Counter Terrorism, Transnational Organized and Emerging Crimes.” (End)