Rwanda : Local defense units advised on professionalism
The Mayor of Nyamasheke district, Jean Baptiste Habyarimana has called on local defense units (LDF) in the district, to strive at becoming professional in their duties of maintaining peace and security in the community.
The mayor made the remarks while presiding over the training of over 240 LDF officers in Nyamaseke district, this January 6. The training was aimed at refreshing the officers on their responsibilities, obligations and duties in their career.
The mayor also said that the image of the LDF units has been marred by misconduct and mistreatment of residents, but was hopeful that by the end of the five day training, the units are expected to resolve on being disciplined and paramount in leading residents by example.
Residents of Nyamaseke have previously raised complaints of LDF units being involved in corruption activities, unlawful confiscation of good from traders and general public misconduct, which has resulted to resident’s losing trust in the force.
However, the commander of Nyamaseke LDF units, Laurent Havuganeza, says that such trainings are meant to enable the units revisit their commitment and vows to serving the community. He was also hopeful that outcomes of the training would positively improve the force, and asked the district to offer similar periodical trainings.
