CDEDI Says No To Rwanda’s Offer To Train Malawi Police Officers

Center For Democracy Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI) has warned the Malawi government of accepting the offer by Rwanda to train officers from Malawi Police Service (MPS).

Rwandan Police Chief Dan Munyuza who is in the country for official visit made the offer to his counterpart MPS boss George Kainja.

In a statement seen by Faceofmalawi CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa has said they are surprised with the offer because government has not publicly declared any area that requires capacity building in the police service.

Namiwa further added that the Republic of Rwanda has also not indicated, which area in the MPS it wants to help in building capacity.

CDEDI also added that looking at the background of Rwanda is far from being a model to other countries.

“Rwanda is not nearer a model where countries that are striving to embrace genuine democracy such as Malawi, can tap skills, especially for an important institution like the police office which is key in fostering democratic principles,” said Namiwa.

Namiwa added; “Besides infrastructural development Rwanda is making, it is not a hidden secret that there are massive reports of human rights violations bordering on excessive use of force by law enforcing agencies; unlawful and arbitrary detentions; internet restrictions by the State; lack of freedom of expression; human rights activists and opposition political party leaders being silenced through arbitrary arrests and imprisonment based on trumped-up charges; etc. Obviously, Rwandan police are take centre-stage in this gloomy picture.”

Namiwa continued that the proposed offer for training our police service by the Rwandan police confirms our fear that the recent Malawi Government directive to relocate all refugees and asylum seekers to Dzaleka is politically motivated.