The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has urged residents of Nyagatare District to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of human trafficking. The appeal was made during a public awareness campaign held in Matimba Sector, aimed at educating citizens about human trafficking crimes and their consequences.
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Awareness Campaign in Border Districts
The campaign is being conducted in the Eastern Province, particularly in Kirehe District and Nyagatare, focusing on sectors located near national borders.
The initiative began on February 23, 2026, and is expected to run for five days. Its main goal is to strengthen community awareness and encourage cooperation in preventing cross-border crimes.
RIB explained that border areas are more vulnerable to transnational crimes, making close collaboration between citizens and security agencies essential.
RIB Warns Against Silence and Complicity
Detective Njangwe Jamari, who works in RIB’s department for crime prevention, investigation, and intelligence, told residents that human trafficking is not only committed by traffickers. In some cases, victims may also contribute to the crime by failing to report it in time.
He said: “Failure to report allows traffickers to continue operating in secret, putting many lives at risk. This crime does not only happen abroad; it also exists within the country, where young children are forced into prostitution in bars and other places. Let us work together to prevent this crime because it destroys individuals and the nation as a whole.”
He further encouraged residents of Matimba Sector and the wider Nyagatare area to stay alert and share information quickly, describing this as the most effective way to fight human trafficking.
Community Members Pledge Cooperation
Residents who attended the campaign said they gained valuable knowledge about human trafficking and how it operates.
Mukamana Donathiley said: “We learned how traffickers operate and the harmful effects of this crime. From now on, whenever I see or hear information related to human trafficking, I will report it immediately.”
Elia Habimana also expressed commitment, saying: “We have decided to work closely with RIB by providing information to protect our children and our communities.”
Participants noted that such campaigns help build trust between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Trafficking Statistics and Legal Penalties
RIB reported that between 2019 and 2024, a total of 297 people were identified as victims of human trafficking in Rwanda. However, the agency warned that this figure does not reflect the full scale of the problem.
Some victims die during trafficking operations or have their organs removed, making it difficult to identify and document their cases.
Human trafficking is punishable under Law No. 51/2018 of August 13, 2018, which addresses the prevention, suppression, and punishment of human trafficking and exploitation.
If committed within the country, the crime carries a prison sentence of 10 to 15 years and a fine ranging from 10 million to 15 million Rwandan francs. If the offense involves cross-border trafficking, offenders face 20 to 25 years in prison and fines of between 20 million and 25 million Rwandan francs.
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