The Ministry of Justice has indicated that human trafficking remains a serious concern, revealing that 297 Rwandans who had been trafficked to different countries were repatriated between July 2025 and June 2026.
Joselyne Ingabire, an official responsible for international justice at the Ministry of Justice, highlighted the issue on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in Rubavu during a campaign aimed at combating human trafficking.
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297 Rwandans Repatriated
Ingabire said the latest figures demonstrate the continued seriousness of human trafficking, particularly as traffickers increasingly use technology to lure victims.
she stated: “Recent figures on human trafficking show that 297 people were repatriated between July 2025 and June 2026; this remains a serious crime of global concern, as many victims are lured using technology. Eleven cases involving 12 accused individuals have been prosecuted, confirming that this crime exists in Rwanda as well.”
She explained that the victims who are repatriated receive different forms of support, including medical care for six months, before being reunited with their families.
Speaking to IGIHE, Ingabire said the 297 Rwandans had been trafficked to four countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Oman. She added that the majority of the victims were young people.
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Poverty and False Job Promises
Residents also say human trafficking is becoming an increasing concern, noting that the crime is prevalent even in countries neighboring Rwanda.
Françoise Manishimwe, a 35-year-old resident of Rukoko Cell in Rubavu Sector, identified poverty as one of the factors that can expose people to human trafficking.
she said: “Due to poverty, I was once promised a job collecting levies at checkpoints where charcoal is transported; however, I was wary and refused to leave my children behind. Many others were deceived with promises of employment, only to be taken into armed groups and subsequently disappear without a trace; traffickers would target petty traders, offering them money and promising high wages upon arrival.”
Risks Along Illegal Routes
Donatha Mukamana also described cases involving people who were captured after crossing through illegal routes for trade.
she said: “Some people were captured in Goma by the ‘Wazalendo’ militia after crossing via illegal routes to trade; those who lacked the money to pay for their release were subjected to rape. I know friends who were detained one managed to pay for her freedom and return home, while the other, unable to pay, was forced to engage in sexual acts to secure the return of her goods.”
Rwanda Strengthens Anti-Trafficking Efforts
Rwanda has ratified various international conventions aimed at combating human trafficking and is implementing their provisions despite continuing challenges.
The country’s efforts include prosecuting people suspected of human trafficking, preventing the crime through awareness campaigns, protecting victims, and strengthening cooperation to combat trafficking.
In terms of prosecution, 54 people have been convicted and sentenced for human trafficking in Rwanda over the past three years. Of these, 12 were convicted in 2025, 18 in 2024, and 24 in 2023.
