The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) launched the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2026 (DSCOP26) on March 9,2026, marking the start of a nationwide effort to bring development activities and public services closer to vulnerable communities. The three‑month initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Defence and local authorities, reflects a model of security engagement that goes beyond traditional defence to include community partnership and people‑centred development. Senior security officials, government representatives and local leaders gathered

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) launched the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2026 (DSCOP26) on March 9,2026, marking the start of a nationwide effort to bring development activities and public services closer to vulnerable communities.

The three‑month initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Defence and local authorities, reflects a model of security engagement that goes beyond traditional defence to include community partnership and people‑centred development.

Senior security officials, government representatives and local leaders gathered in Kigali for the official kick‑off, with organisers describing the outreach as part of broader annual activities tied to Kwibohora Day celebrations, which commemorate Rwanda’s liberation. Across previous editions of the programme, similar efforts have encompassed health care, infrastructure and housing projects as a tangible expression of collaboration between citizens and security institutions.

DEFENCE AND SECURITY CITIZEN OUTREACH PROGRAMME 2025 LAUNCHED ACROSS THE COUNTRY

For residents like Jean Baptiste Ntezimana, a father of two in Kigali’s Niboye sector, the outreach has personal meaning. In last year’s edition, residents worked with RDF and RNP personnel to construct a bridge that now provides safer access to local schools, a change he says has eased daily life for his family. “Before, my children had to walk across unstable logs to reach class,” Ntezimana said. “Now they are safe, and our community feels more connected.”

In Musanze District, the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda officiated at the launch of COP Rwanda 2024 with the construction of two bridges connecting communities in Musanze and Nyange sectors.

While this year’s DSCOP26 launch emphasises continued development support, analysts say the programme also serves a broader purpose: reinforcing trust between citizens and security organisations. Previous editions have seen thousands of citizens benefit from free medical services and community projects, with the 2025 outreach reportedly treating more than 41,000 patients, building homes, bridges and early childhood development centres, and expanding clean water access in rural districts.

According to the ministry and security officials involved in the launch, the outreach programme continues a people‑centred model in which security institutions work in partnership with local leaders and residents to identify and address community needs.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), on Friday, March 1, rolled out community development activities dubbed "Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2024" to support the national socio-economic development agenda.

Previous editions of the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme have delivered measurable results, including free medical services to more than 41,800 people, the construction of 13 bridges and 70 houses for vulnerable families. but official data on overall impact and sustainability has not been published publicly for the 2026 rollout.

In recent years, the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme has evolved into a structured platform that blends security engagement with socio‑economic development, making it a distinctive feature of Rwanda’s approach to human security and community partnership.

A little more informed. A little more connected.