Strengthening Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Between EAPCCO and China
The Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration in law enforcement and information sharing. This partnership aims to promote peace, stability, and security across the region.
The commitment was made during the second EAPCCO-China ministerial dialogue held in Kigali on Wednesday, November 5. The event brought together representatives from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Sudan, and South Sudan, alongside a high-level Chinese delegation led by Vice Minister of Public Security, Xu Datong. Other EAPCCO member states include DR Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Seychelles, Comoros, Somalia, and Tanzania.
This dialogue followed the inaugural session held in China in September 2024, where both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation against transnational crime, terrorism, and cyber threats.
Commitment to Regional Security
Rwanda’s Minister of Interior, Vincent Biruta, praised the continued partnership between the region and China, calling it a testament to “the power of collaboration built on trust and shared purpose.” He emphasized that the dialogue was an opportunity to review progress under the existing MoU and reinforce a collective vision for effective law enforcement.
Biruta highlighted the shared goal of safeguarding the peoples of EAPCCO member states and China, fostering a secure environment conducive to economic growth and prosperity. He also proposed practical measures to sustain progress under the partnership, including the establishment of an implementation framework and monitoring mechanism.
China’s Role in Enhancing Security
Vice Minister Xu Datong reaffirmed China’s enduring friendship with Africa, describing it as a relationship that has stood the test of time. He stated that China’s engagement with Eastern Africa aligns with President Xi Jinping’s vision under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, which emphasizes peace and security as central pillars of modernization.
Xu noted significant progress since the 2024 MoU, including repatriation of suspects, resolution of cross-border kidnapping cases, and rescue of Chinese nationals through coordinated operations. China has also hosted 18 specialized training sessions for 347 East African officers, offered seven police scholarships, and provided support to enhance forensic science capabilities in the region.
Expanding Areas of Collaboration
Xu announced fresh commitments, including plans to train 1,000 African law enforcement officers, provide annual police equipment to the EAPCCO chairing country, and send multidisciplinary advisory teams to assist with operational challenges. He emphasized the importance of intelligence exchange, experience sharing, joint case investigations, and coordinated actions to combat transnational crimes such as terrorism, kidnapping, illegal detention, telecom and online fraud, drug trafficking, and other related issues.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of cooperation through multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and INTERPOL, emphasizing collective security as the cornerstone of development.
Regional Perspectives
Brig Gen of Police Richard Ndayisaba, the Permanent Secretary in Burundi’s Ministry of Public Security, who led his country’s delegation, commended the Rwandan government for its warm hospitality and the successful organization of the ministerial dialogue. He applauded the ongoing progress in the partnership between China and East Africa, particularly following the signing and implementation of the memorandum of understanding that has guided regional cooperation in law enforcement.
Ndayisaba underscored the importance of shared values in regional security operations, including respect for national sovereignty, legality in police operations, professionalism, non-discrimination, and the protection of human rights. He described the ministerial dialogue as a renewed opportunity to deepen partnership between China and East African law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
Delegates expressed optimism that the partnership will continue to strengthen regional resilience against organized crime, cyber threats, and emerging security challenges. The collaboration between EAPCCO and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security represents a significant step toward ensuring a safer, more secure region for all nations involved.