Kigali, 2 November 2015
President Kagame today officially opened the 84th Interpol General Assembly taking place in Kigali, bringing together 850 delegates from 149 member countries.
In his address, President Kagame welcomed all participants to Rwanda, and paid tribute to Interpol for the organisation’s efforts in tracking down fugitives wanted for genocide in Rwanda and helping to deliver justice.
Speaking on the significance of the role Interpol plays in connecting global Police forces in the fight against insecurity, President Kagame said:
“Security is the foundation for everything. When it breaks down, the costs are huge, including loss of life, destruction of trust within society and in public institutions and economic stagnation. By cultivating the shared values and norms of law enforcement, Interpol makes the world a better place. The structure of Interpol itself recognises that each member has something to contribute to all the others. Interpol’s capacity for information sharing and concerted action helps eliminate the gaps, where international crime flourishes. Working closely with communities, it provides one of the most secure environments in the world. The world could learn a lot from how Interpol has conducted its affairs: quietly, effectively and collaboratively.”
President Kagame pointed out that Rwanda has worked to build effective, citizen-focused governance institutions, notably the Rwanda National Police.
President Kagame pledged that Rwanda would remain a reliable and committed partner in the pursuit of global security and justice.
The Interpol President, Mireille Ballestrazzi saluted the relationship between the Rwanda National Police and citizens which she defined as exemplary and based on trust and service. She also paid tribute to victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and commended Rwanda’s progress in the last two decades.