Police Retaliates At Media Claims Over Female Recruitment

A senior police officer Assistant Commissioner of Police(ACP), John Bosco Kabera, the commissioner for Human Resource and Support Services has reacted against media reports claiming that recruiting female police aimed at increasing their number on peacekeeping mission.

According to information from Ministry of Internal Security website, Rwanda has embarked on a campaign to recruit female police into the force.

The information indicate that the aim of female recruitment into the force is to increase the number of women police officers at least by 30% as provided in the constitution as well as other laws.

“Joining Rwanda National Police is a Nobel Cause, it was not our motive behind this campaign,” ACP Kabera said.

“Yes we are keen to oblige to the United Nations resolution 13/2000 but that is not the only reason we are conducting this campaign. The important aspect here is having the percentage of Rwandan females in Police and to also have them participate in nation building,” Kabera added.

He conceded that more women peace keepers are indeed needed given the change in the nature of conflict where gender based violence cases have increased over the years.

Kabera also noted that it has been discovered that that most victims gender based violence especially female tend to be comfortable discussing their ordeals with female peacekeepers.

Rwanda has been hailed for her performance in the peace keeping missions including having sent a largest number of women peace keepers.

Apparently female police make up 19% of total police force. However Rwanda National Police (RNP) is working towards changing the trend.

“Like any other Rwandans, women should be part of the police force and participate in the nation building,” ACP Kabera said.

There have been skeptics especially among women to join Rwanda National Police. This is particularly underscored by the low recruitment levels of women into the institution.

Kabera however suppressed the doubts saying that joining the National Police is a prestigious and noble cause.

ENDS