The Rwanda National Police (RNP) on Tuesday, July 7, welcomed a delegation of 42 young Rwandans from the diaspora to its General Headquarters in Kacyiru as part of the sixth edition of the annual Rwanda Youth Tour.
The initiative aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Rwanda’s history, culture, and national development, while strengthening their connection to their homeland and encouraging them to contribute to the country’s future.
Rwanda National Police Showcases Its Transformation Since 1994
The delegation, comprising young Rwandans from Belgium, Canada, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Youth and Arts.
They were received by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, the Rwanda National Police Spokesperson, who outlined the institution’s transformation since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Speaking to the participants, ACP Rutikanga emphasized that community partnership has remained the cornerstone of policing in Rwanda.
ACP Rutikanga said: “Following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the Rwanda National Police was entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of people and their property. From the outset, we realized that sustainable security can only be achieved through strong collaboration between the Police and the public,”
Technology and Cooperation Driving Modern Policing
ACP Rutikanga explained that the Rwanda National Police has continued to evolve through capacity building, technological innovation, and stronger regional and international cooperation.
He noted that integrating modern technology into policing has enabled the institution to respond more effectively to emerging security threats while delivering professional services that meet international standards.
He said: “The integration of technology in policing and enhanced regional and international cooperation have enabled the Rwanda National Police to deliver professional policing services and effectively respond to contemporary security challenges in line with global standards,”
Youth Encouraged to Promote Rwanda Abroad
The Head of Delegation, Jean Leonard Dukuzumuremyi from the Ministry of Youth and Arts, thanked the Rwanda National Police for hosting the group and providing an informative session.
He urged the young participants to preserve the knowledge they gained throughout the Rwanda Youth Tour and use it to promote Rwanda wherever they live.
He said: “As Rwandans living abroad, it is important to understand the history, culture and values of our country. This knowledge will help you resist misinformation about Rwanda and inspire you to contribute to the country’s development in one way or another,”
Participants were also encouraged to become ambassadors of Rwanda by protecting and promoting the country’s positive image within their respective communities around the world.
Rwanda Youth Tour Strengthens Identity Among Diaspora Youth
One of the participants, Strepenne Ineza from Belgium, described the visit as both educational and inspiring, saying it had strengthened her understanding of Rwanda and deepened her sense of belonging.
She said the Rwanda Youth Tour had given her valuable insight into the country’s transformation and the resilience of its people: “I didn’t know much about my country, and taking part in the Rwanda Youth Tour has helped me learn so much. I am proud of Rwanda’s transformation and the determination of its people to continue building a better future,”
Ineza encouraged other young Rwandans living abroad to visit Rwanda and witness the country’s development firsthand: “I encourage every young Rwandan living abroad to visit Rwanda, witness its remarkable progress, and discover the many opportunities our country offers,”
Rwanda Youth Tour Builds Lasting Connections with the Homeland
The annual Rwanda Youth Tour continues to provide young members of the Rwandan diaspora with an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, learn about the country’s progress, and engage with key national institutions.
Through visits such as the one to the Rwanda National Police, participants gain a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s transformation while strengthening their commitment to contributing to the nation’s continued development, regardless of where they live.
