Rwanda, Zim strengthen prison cooperation

Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter

IN a significant step towards enhancing prison management and rehabilitation practices, Rwanda and Zimbabwe have committed to deepening their co-operative efforts through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

This agreement is designed to facilitate the sharing of best practices and bolster mutual support for prison facilities in both nations, a move seen as pivotal in addressing the challenges faced by their correctional systems.

Rwandan Commissioner General Everiste Murenzi is currently in Zimbabwe, where he is attending a graduation ceremony for five officers who have completed a year-long Senior Management Development Course in Harare.

This event marks a milestone in the professional development of correctional officers in both countries. 

Following a courtesy visit with the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, Comm Gen Murenzi emphasised the pressing need to bridge the gaps that currently exist in their prison systems.

 “We had the opportunity to discuss with my counterpart at ZPCS (Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services) the co-operation between the two countries, and we realised that there is a need to copy so many things that are implemented in Zimbabwe prisons. On rehabilitation of prisoners, we are still lagging,” he said.

 His remarks highlight a recognition of the advancements Zimbabwe has made in its correctional practices, particularly in the area of prisoner rehabilitation.

Comm Gen Murenzi also shared his pride in Zimbabwe’s correctional achievements, particularly the recent accolade received by ZPCS Commissioner General, Dr Moses Chihobvu.

“The other thing that makes us proud is that ZPCS Comm Gen Dr Moses Chihobvu won an award from the Correctional Prisons Associations, and that was the pride of Africa, not only for Zimbabwe but for the whole continent,” he said.

This recognition not only reflects the success of Zimbabwe’s correctional strategies but also serves as an inspiration for Rwanda as it seeks to enhance its own systems.

Dr Chihobvu responded positively to the discussions, expressing a desire to continue working collaboratively not just with Rwanda but also within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the broader African context.

“We expect to continue working together not only with Rwanda but SADC and Africa so that we can improve the situations in prisons, especially reintegration,” he said.

His commitment underscores the importance of regional co-operation in addressing common challenges faced by correctional facilities across the continent. Dr Chihobvu said there is need for increased funding to support the operations and rehabilitation programmes within prisons.

“We have several things which we should implement in terms of rehabilitation. What we have noted after benchmarking in Rwanda is that challenges are the same, lack of resources in terms of things that are used here. These are the challenges that we want to see how best they can be resolved,” he said.

 His comments reflect a shared understanding that effective rehabilitation requires adequate resources and support. 

Minister Ziyambi reinforced the importance of ongoing knowledge sharing and experience exchange between the two countries.

“We have exchange programmes that we introduce to share knowledge. Rwanda is our sister Republic where we exchange experiences on how we can manage our correctional facilities,” he said. 

The Minister emphasised the belief that such collaborations are essential in improving the quality of services provided to incarcerated individuals.

“As African nations, we must collaborate and ensure that we share experiences to improve our correctional facilities so that we can offer better services to those that are incarcerated and rehabilitated to reintegrate into society,” Minister Ziyambi said.

In addition to the formal discussions, Comm Gen Murenzi’s visit included a tour of the Marondera Open Institution, where he sought to gather insights for establishing a similar female open prison in Rwanda. 

This initiative reflects Rwanda’s commitment to enhancing its correctional facilities and ensuring that rehabilitation efforts are tailored to the needs of all inmates, including women.

The engagement between Rwanda and Zimbabwe represents a promising development in the realm of prison management and rehabilitation.

 By sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies, both countries aim to create a more effective and humane correctional system that benefits not only their respective populations but also contributes to the broader goals of regional stability and development in Africa.

Through such partnerships, the hope is to foster environments that prioritise rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society, ultimately transforming the lives of those affected by the justice system.