Rwanda: DASSO urged to strengthen community security
Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government, Habimana Dominique, has called on newly trained members of the District Administrative Security Support Organ (DASSO) to work closely with communities and other security agencies to prevent crime and address threats to public safety.
He emphasized that security remains the foundation of national development, noting that sustainable progress and improved living conditions depend on a safe and stable environment.
The minister made the remarks during the official graduation ceremony of the 10th cohort of DASSO members, held at the Police Training School in Gishari, Rwamagana District.
The trainees completed a 12-week basic training programme designed to equip them with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional values required to carry out their duties effectively.
Their training covered a range of subjects, including martial arts, firearms handling and shooting, basic crime scene management, information gathering and report writing, cooperation between DASSO, local communities and other security agencies, disaster management, environmental protection, service delivery, and public security.
The programme aims to prepare DASSO members to perform their duties with discipline, professionalism, and the capacity to prevent and respond to activities that threaten public safety.
Security is the foundation of development
Minister Habimana said the training programme reflected cooperation among different institutions to strengthen DASSO’s capacity to support district authorities in maintaining security.
“We all understand what security means and what it takes to preserve it. All the achievements we have made as a country are attributable to the security we enjoy, because it is the foundation of development. Without security, we cannot achieve the development and improved living conditions we aspire to,” he said.
He also commended President Paul Kagame for the country’s security and governance, expressing confidence that the latest cohort would build on the achievements of the nine previous training cohorts.
“We appreciate the results achieved by the nine previous cohorts, which give us confidence that those completing their training today will continue from where their predecessors left off,” he said.
The minister noted that since its establishment, DASSO had contributed to protecting people and their property through continued cooperation with local communities and other security institutions, particularly the Rwanda National Police.
However, he stressed that challenges remained and required coordinated efforts by security agencies, local authorities, and citizens.
Among the concerns he highlighted were assault and bodily harm, drug abuse, the consumption and sale of substandard alcoholic beverages, vagrancy, children dropping out of school, delays in addressing citizens’ complaints, and domestic violence.
He said continued collaboration among security institutions and communities was essential to addressing these challenges and ensuring that citizens could live in safety and enjoy improved living conditions.
“We are pleased that Rwanda enjoys security across its villages, and DASSO will continue to play a role in ensuring that residents experience lasting and comprehensive security. This will require continued cooperation with our other security institutions,” he said.
Graduates urged to apply their skills in serving communities
Minister Habimana urged the graduates to put the knowledge and practical skills they had acquired into practice by helping address challenges affecting public security and community well-being.
“Dear trainees, as you complete this training programme, you have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills. We expect you to work with other institutions and communities to resolve the remaining challenges that could undermine public security, development, and people’s well-being,” he said.
He added that the government would continue working with relevant institutions, particularly the Rwanda National Police, to strengthen DASSO’s capacity and enhance the professionalism of its members.
Graduate pledges to promote community participation in security
Mutuyimana Delphine, from Bumbogo Sector in Gasabo District, said she intended to use the knowledge gained during the training to encourage residents to take an active role in maintaining security.
“I will encourage residents to look out for one another and take responsibility for security, whether by protecting their own property or that of others. Everyone should understand that their neighbour’s security also concerns them because when their neighbour is safe, they are safe too,” she said.
The training programme began on August 10, 2026, and was attended by 357 trainees, comprising 243 men and 114 women from 15 districts across Rwanda.
By Nyirahabimana Joséphine
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