Policing in Rwanda in 2025: A Year Defined by Service, Partnership, and Progress
In 2025, policing in Rwanda continued to move beyond routine law enforcement, evolving into a people-centered service grounded in accountability, partnership, and measurable results.
Across the country from urban centers to rural communities the Rwanda National Police (RNP) translated its mandate into visible impact. Through strengthened safety measures, community engagement, and strategic cooperation, the Police reinforced public trust while contributing to Rwanda’s broader development agenda.
The year stood out for intensified delivery and an expanded scope of operations. Through coordinated efforts in crime prevention, road safety, community policing, peacekeeping, and international cooperation, RNP demonstrated that modern policing in Rwanda is as much about service to citizens as it is about enforcing the law.
Notably, 2025 recorded a 15.7 percent reduction in overall crime compared to 2024, a result attributed to enhanced enforcement and strong collaboration with communities. This progress reflected sustained investments in intelligence-led policing and proactive engagement with citizens at all levels.
Community policing remained a defining pillar of RNP’s work. Through the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme (COP 2025), implemented in partnership with the Rwanda Defence Force, thousands of households across the country benefited from social services.
More than 41,800 citizens received free medical care, while vulnerable families were supported through the construction of houses, bridges, and Early Childhood Development centers. Access to clean water and solar energy was expanded, cooperatives were supported to improve livelihoods, and road users, including motorcyclists, received safety equipment.
Road safety also remained a national priority. The “Gerayo Amahoro” campaign, revitalized under the theme “Turindane, Tugereyo Amahoro,” emphasized shared responsibility among road users. By combining enforcement with sustained public awareness, the Police worked alongside local authorities and other stakeholders to promote discipline on the roads and reduce accidents largely caused by negligence and recklessness.
Beyond public safety, the Rwanda National Police continued to play a critical role in safeguarding national unity. Through educational programs, public lectures, and commemoration activities related to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the Police reinforced vigilance against genocide ideology and divisive narratives, contributing to reconciliation and social cohesion.
On the regional and international front, 2025 marked a significant milestone. Rwanda hosted the 26th Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) Annual General Meeting in Kigali and strengthened bilateral cooperation with police forces from various countries. These engagements enhanced intelligence-sharing, joint training, and strategic coordination, reinforcing Rwanda’s leadership in regional policing.
RNP officers also continued to serve in international peace support operations, including in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Mozambique, where over 2,300 officers are currently deployed. These missions showcased the professionalism, discipline, and operational capability of the Rwanda National Police while contributing to regional and global stability.
Institutionally, the Police invested in human capital and infrastructure. New officers completed professional training, retiring personnel were honored for their long service, and new facilities expanded operational reach and efficiency. RNP also ensured security at major national and international events, including the 2025 UCI World Cycling Championship, which was hosted without incident further strengthening public confidence.
As 2025 came to a close, the Rwanda National Police stood out as an institution that balances enforcement with partnership and development. From community outreach to international peacekeeping, the force demonstrated that effective policing in Rwanda is built on trust, professionalism, and service to the people.
It was a year that reaffirmed a clear vision of security not merely as the absence of crime, but as a foundation for peace, unity, and sustained progress.


Kinyarwanda
English
Swahili









