Kigali, 31 August 2016
President Kagame today officially opened the 18th Annual General Assembly of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCO) which is taking place in Rwanda.
In his address, President Kagame appreciated the continued support and focus on Africa by Interpol:
“Interpol’s strong support along the way has been essential, and I note with appreciation, the presence of the Interpol Secretary-General and Vice President here today. Thank you for continuing to make Africa a priority, and working closely with us to follow through on commitments. One example of the existing good partnership is this week’s table-top exercise on cybercrime, organised jointly by Interpol and the Rwanda National Police for participants from all around Africa.”
President Kagame said cooperation by police forces is essential, especially in what concerns cyber crime which he said can be committed by people in jurisdictions where they don’t even need to be present.
“Close collaboration is therefore needed, both to investigate these complex crimes, and to secure the extradition and conviction of suspects. This work is part of an even bigger picture, however. Technology innovation is a key driver of economic growth and improvements in public service delivery. Africa is getting connected to broadband, at one of the fastest rates in the world.”
The Rwanda National Police is also hosting the ‘Cyber Enabled Crime Table-Top Exercise’, bringing together over 100 participants from across the African region. The exercise is organized by Rwanda National Police in partnership with the international police organization (Interpol).
Rwanda has also been chosen to host the Regional Cyber Centre of Excellence, whose foundation stone was laid today at the Rwanda National Police Headquarter.