New officers of Rwanda National Police at a pass-out parade. The
government has sacked more than 180 officers over gross misconduct. FILE
PHOTO | NMG
Some 35 Rwanda police officers have been dismissed from service following a presidential order.
Another 154 officers also have also been sacked, through a ministerial order, over gross misconduct.
The
dismissal comes just three months after 21 police officers and 36
prison guards were fired last November for similar reasons.
The
government says it aims at ensuring professionalism within the force
that has severally been ranked as the most corrupt public institution in
Rwanda by anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International.
“There
should not be cause for concern. The police force is made up of
thousands of officers so this is normal," Johnston Busingye, Minister of
Justice told The EastAfrican.
"The way
forward is that they have to leave the force. Such conducts cannot be
tolerated because of the high standards and discipline required of
officers serving in Rwanda and outside,” he added.
Besides the Transparency ranking, the Rwanda Governance Board, in its Citizen Report Card last year, noted that 10 per cent of the 12 million population believe the police is where bribery is most prevalent.
While
corruption has dogged the police over the years, Rwanda utility firms
top the most corrupt list. They include energy, judiciary and tax
officials.
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