The regional training programmes brought together 368 police officers from several African countries, reflecting growing cooperation in addressing cross-border and emerging security threats.

The ceremony was attended by senior security officials, including the Inspector General of Police, CG Felix Namuhoranye, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Mubarak Muganga, the Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service, CG Evariste Murenzi, and the Secretary General of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, Col. (Rtd) Kabanda Kayigamba Pacifique, alongside Chiefs of Police from various African nations including Kenya, Seychelles, the Central African Republic, Liberia, Lesotho, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, and Eswatini.

The Joint SWAT training involved 96 officers from seven countries Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Liberia, Seychelles, the Central African Republic, and Rwanda as the host who underwent intensive tactical exercises aimed at strengthening coordination, interoperability, and response to transnational security threats.

Participants demonstrated advanced operational skills including waterborne and airborne operations, hostage rescue missions, tactical obstacle crossing, assault techniques, and tower-based drills, highlighting professionalism, discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

In addition, 272 officers graduated from the Advanced Police Special Force Course Intake 14, organized by the Rwanda National Police. The cohort included 193 Rwandan officers, 49 from the Central African Republic, 20 from Liberia, and 10 from Seychelles. The course, which began in October last year, focused on enhancing leadership, command capacity, and specialized operational skills.

Minister Biruta commended the Rwanda National Police for its commitment to professional training, regional cooperation, and capacity building. He congratulated the graduates for their endurance and dedication throughout the rigorous programmes.

He emphasized that modern security challenges such as terrorism, organized crime, and cybercrime require highly trained and well-coordinated forces capable of operating both nationally and across borders.

EAPCCO Chief Executive Officer, Africa Sendahangarwa Apollo, noted that Rwanda’s experience in hosting the exercise will help shape standardized guidelines for future joint SWAT trainings across member states, with several countries already expressing interest in hosting upcoming editions.