The Rwanda National Police, in collaboration with Gisagara District authorities and other institutions, conducted a public awareness campaign in Mugombwa Sector, which borders Burundi. They urged residents to avoid cross-border crimes and to continue playing an active role in maintaining security.
The campaign aimed to remind citizens that national security begins with individual responsibility, especially for those living near borders, where some are tempted to engage in illegal activities such as smuggling and using unauthorized routes to cross.
The Rwanda National Police spokesperson in the Southern Province, CIP Hassan Kamanzi, stated that such activities can endanger the lives of those involved and compromise national security.
He said: “We remind residents living near the border to avoid cross-border crimes, including smuggling and using unauthorized routes. The fact that some borders are closed is not a reason to cross illegally. These actions can put their lives at risk and undermine security. We ask them to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely information to prevent these crimes.”
He emphasized that timely reporting of suspicious activities or individuals helps prevent crimes before they occur.
Residents Share Experiences and Commitments
Rutagengwa Evariste, a motorcycle taxi operator in Mugombwa Sector, explained that some riders are sometimes lured with money to transport illegal goods across the border, which ends up causing them problems.
He said: “Sometimes motorcyclists are tempted with money to carry illegal goods across the border, but they end up being punished or suffering losses. This campaign helps us understand the consequences of such actions and decide to avoid them.”
Another resident, Karangwa Evariste, noted that crossing the border through unauthorized routes and smuggling goods can lead to penalties and losses.
He said: “Some people cross through unauthorized routes carrying illegal goods, but when caught, they are punished and suffer losses. Sometimes their lives are also put at risk. As residents, we are committed to continuing to report those involved so that such practices are eliminated.”
District Leaders Call for Cooperation
Dusabe Denise, Gisagara District’s Deputy Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, said that illegal border crossings and smuggling are common crimes in border areas.
She said: “Some of the crimes often seen among border residents include illegal crossings and smuggling. These put offenders at risk and affect public security. We urge residents to avoid them and continue cooperating with security agencies to prevent them.”
She added that such awareness campaigns help residents understand their responsibilities in crime prevention and in providing information that enables authorities to act early.
Police Emphasizes Shared Responsibility for Security
SP L. Mujawamariya, the Police–Community Liaison Officer in Gisagara District, also stressed that security is everyone’s responsibility.
She said: “Security is everyone’s responsibility. We ask residents to continue providing timely information about any person or activity suspected of threatening security. Cooperation between citizens and security agencies is what prevents crimes before they happen.”
Awareness Campaigns to Continue
The Rwanda National Police stated that it will continue conducting awareness campaigns, especially in border communities, to increase knowledge about the dangers of cross-border crimes and to strengthen the cultur
