Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
5 October 2007
Bujumbura — Christian police officers in Africa say they are determined to fight against human rights abuses and corruption that have for long tainted law enforcement across the continent.
They want to be agents of justice and peace by standing firm "against abuse of human rights, the use of torture and corruption." They believe the vices "are not part of the character of 21st century police officers."
The Christian officers made this pledge at the end of a five-day conference held in the Burundian capital, Bujumbura, last week. The Pan African Christian Police Associations Conference (PACPAC 2007) brought together 122 delegates from 11 countries in and outside Africa.
The conference was opened by the Burundian Minister for Home Affairs and Public Security, Major General Evariste Ndayishimiye, accompanied by the National Police General Director, Commissary of Police Guillaume Bunyoni.
Minister Ndayishimiye challenged the delegates to lead the fight against corruption and abuse of human rights, and to be agents of reconciliation in their countries.
During the conference, the participants were taught conflict management, peacemaking and reconciliation, Christian leadership and skills in police chaplaincy. Other courses focused on witnessing and discipleship, ethics, starting a police fellowship and prayer and networking.
On Thursday, the delegates undertook the internationally recognised course, 'Principle Based Leadership, the Importance of Ethics', for which they received a certificate.
A communiqué signed by PACPAC chairman Mike Okuo and executive secretary Kibinge wa Muturi said the participants promised to continue supporting National Police Departments in providing spiritual and ethical leadership for officers of all ranks.
PACPAC said it shall work with international police organisations and churches to support National Christian Police Fellowships and individual Christian police officers in addressing the daily challenges they face in law enforcement.
The association shall help governments that have not yet established a national Christian police fellowship to do so.
The Christian officers pledged as individuals to promote peace in their lives, at the workplace and in the communities they serve. They shall strive to be "visible agents of reconciliation within our countries, our families, our workplace and [within] the churches we represent."
The next PACPAC conference will be held in 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya.
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