Rwanda’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Chairperson of the East African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO), CG Felix Namuhoranye, has called on countries in Eastern and Southern Africa to strengthen partnerships, accelerate intelligence sharing and embrace technology to effectively combat cross-border crime.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, while opening the third day of the Operation Usalama review meeting in Kigali, which brought together members of the East African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) and the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO).
According to the Rwanda National Police, CG Namuhoranye said the meeting provides an opportunity to assess progress, draw lessons and develop strategies to make future joint security operations more effective.
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Operation Usalama hailed as a model of regional cooperation
CG Namuhoranye said Operation Usalamahas become a successful example of how regional cooperation can strengthen the fight against organized and cross-border crime.
“Since its inception in 2013, Operation Usalama has been a model of regional cooperation and joint efforts by law enforcement agencies.”
He noted that the operation has produced tangible results, including dismantling criminal networks, rescuing victims, recovering illegally traded goods and strengthening cooperation among security agencies across the region.
Regional partnerships key to tackling evolving crime
CG Namuhoranye said the changing nature of crime requires law enforcement agencies to work more closely by sharing intelligence in real time, adopting modern technology and strengthening institutional capacity.
“The security of our countries depends on the partnerships we build and the decisions we take today.”
He also commended EAPCCO and SARPCCO member states, Interpol and other partners for their continued commitment to promoting regional peace and public security.
Speaking at the meeting, SARPCCO Secretary General Ms. Thanyani Gumede said transnational criminal networks continue to evolve, making regional cooperation more important than ever.
“Criminals do not respect our borders; why should our solutions remain within those borders?”
She stressed the need for intelligence-led policing, greater use of technology and stronger collaboration among security agencies to effectively combat organized crime.
Operation Usalama records major gains despite remaining challenges
Ms. Gumede said Operation Usalama has already achieved significant successes, including the arrest of criminals, recovery of stolen vehicles, seizure of illegal drugs and other contraband, as well as the rescue of victims of human trafficking.
However, she noted that several challenges remain, including inconsistent reporting among participating countries, uneven operational responses and limited use of Interpol’s capabilities.
She said: “Operation Usalama is the most significant law enforcement cooperation exercise in the history of our regions. It is a testament to what can be achieved when we are united in a common goal.”
Operation Usalama is an annual **Interpol-supported regional security operation that brings together law enforcement agencies from Eastern and Southern Africa to combat terrorism, transnational organized crime and dismantle cross-border criminal networks.
