Legal mechanism of the east african treaties in fighting cross border crimes, case study Gatuna border

1) Enhance the exchange of criminal intelligence and other security information between Partner States;

In a bid to crackdown on smuggling and tax evasion by cross border traders, Rwanda and Uganda have agreed to begin joint surveillance at the Katuna-Gatuna border crossing. Establishing databases that are shared by Partner States would facilitate the exchange of criminal intelligence among these States.

This goal has as objectives:

i. Establishment of database by Partner States; the appropriate use and appreciation of existing information and intelligence may require the establishment of a multi-disciplinary forum to take stock of existing intelligence and information.

ii. Enhance technical capacity for production of criminal intelligence

iii. Exchange criminal intelligence/ information among Partner States

iv. Incorporate intelligence in joint operations

There are also strategies:

i. To ensure all Partner States jointly design the appropriate databases

ii. Acquisition of hardware like computers, servers, routers, etc

iii. Standardization of data input the Partner State in order to benefit from uniformity.

Practically, local operations mounted by both countries, Rwanda and Uganda are largely successful due to optimal use of intelligence; information on criminals is usually gathered and analyzed to identify links between crimes, associations among criminals, and individuals' role in criminal activity.

2) Enhance joint operations and patrols;

Rwanda and Uganda are not just geographical neighbors but countries that share the same challenges of negative forces as well as emerging crimes such as terrorism, human and drugs trafficking that affect our people and national development agenda.

The Governments of Rwanda and Uganda have appointed joint committees to analyze the security situation at Gatuna and Cyanika border posts, which will inform decisions to enhance security at the two Northern Corridor outlets. The committees were established during a meeting held at the two borders, chaired by the two police chiefs, Inspector General of Police Emmanuel Gasana and his Ugandan counterpart, Inspector General Kale Kayihura.

Objectives:

i. Hot pursuit of criminals and suspects in enhancement of border security^51(*)

ii. Encourage joint operations against narcotics, robberies, theft of motor vehicles, smuggling, etc

As Partner States need to mount well-coordinated joint operations and share intelligence, this has been approved by a joint meeting by Rwanda and Uganda police bodies held on August 16 and 17^th in Musanze Rwanda, to stamp out security challenges, which is a move aimed at combating crimes in both countries. Also this joint operation will supplement other regional and international organizations such as the EAPCCO and the international body, Interpol.

3) Install common communication facilities for border and interstate security;

The aims are:

i. To install a common interstate radio communication system and improve the existing communication system between Partner States.

ii. Install a common interstate radio communication system between Partner States.

One of the result of the East Africa is the conference of East African Police Chiefs held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1999, where a resolution was passed to achieve the installation of common radio communication system at established border posts for quick information flow response in curbing crime along the common border.

A rapid and dedicated communication system between the police agencies of East Africa will remain a vital instrument in the fight against sophisticated cross border criminality as well other forms of international crime.

* ⁵¹ East African Community, Report of the meeting of EAC experts to review the regional strategy on peace and security, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, June 2012, p.4