One Hundred and Fifteen Muslim university students studying in Rwanda and abroad together with senior officers of Rwanda National Police (RNP) on July 27 held a one-day workshop aimed at forging partnership with a view to preventing and fighting crime with particular focus on radicalisation and extremism.
The workshop held at RNP General Headquarters was graced by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K Gasana and attended by Mufuti Sheikh Slim Habimana
The IGP Gasana reminded Muslim students to always consider the national vision that is tailored towards national transformation,unity, thinking big and accountability.
“You have always to be a generation with a mission and to achieve that, you must have ambitions and expectations. You should ensure that you apply the skills and knowledge you acquire from schools to develop your country. There is much pleasure in being part of the national progress, and this can not happen when some people are being radicalized,” he said.
The Police Chief emphasized the need for collaboration and cooperation saying that; “Collaboration is one way we can collectively avoid cases of radicalization from rooting in our communities ; wherever you encounter a situation of radicalization or extremism, quickly inform the relevant authorities…this is why we formed this kind of partnership.”
On the request of the students and supported by Mufti the Inspector General of Police pledged to hold similar sessions periodically with different categories of the Muslim community.
During the workshop, Mufti Habimana told the youth that they constitute the big elite part of the Islamic community and should ensure they uphold national values.
He however, pointed out that despite a few cases of radicalization that were reported last year, there is a positive attitude within the Islamic community to contribute to safety and security of their country.
The representative of Muslim University students, Ishimwe Saidi, who read out the commitments made by the students during the meeting, included; holding periodic workshops with their peers,supporting policing to fight any form of radicalism and extremism, upholding national values and use of social media to advance Rwanda’s development agenda at home and abroad”
“We have also resolved to be exemplary and role models in fighting terrorism as well as making proper interpretation of the Quran to the fellow youth,” said Ishimwe.
During the workshop held under the theme “Partnering to shape our environment for a safer future,” students and expert discussants deliberated on different topics including; “Islam, Culture and the Context of unity in diversity; the need for security agencies to combat terrorism ; radicalization and violent extremism – a security concern and a burden ; and finally the role of Muslim youth in preventing violent extremism.”
The Commissioner for Counter-terrorism, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Denis Basabose said that, mainly, the workshop was aimed at networking, forming a new partnership and tutoring Muslim students studying abroad on how to avoid being radicalized.
He however pointed out that although there haven’t been many cases in Rwanda, such kind of meetings provide framework for preventing radicalism and extremism.
RNP
UM– USEKE.RW
