Residents of Kiyombe Sector in Nyagatare District say monkeys are destroying their crops, hindering their efforts to improve their livelihoods. They are calling on the relevant authorities to address the problem.
Nyiramasha Betty, a resident of Karujumba Cell, said the monkeys come from a government-owned forest and that residents have repeatedly sought assistance without receiving a solution.
“These monkeys live in that forest planted by the government, and they come and destroy our crops. It is a problem we have raised repeatedly, but we have not received assistance. We are asking the authorities responsible for wildlife to relocate them to where they belong.”
Ingabire Solange said residents are increasingly concerned because the monkeys destroy almost everything they plant, including maize, sweet potatoes and bananas.
“The concern is great because whatever you plant, the monkeys come and destroy it, including maize, sweet potatoes and bananas. We are asking for these animals to be removed from residential areas.”
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Residents Call for Monkeys to Be Relocated
Dushimimana Janvier also called for the monkeys to be taken to a national park instead of continuing to destroy residents’ crops.
“As residents, we want them to be taken to a national park because they constantly destroy our crops. They hide in the forests, and we want the authorities to help us remove them.”
Icyimpaye Philomène echoed her fellow residents, calling for the animals to be relocated away from their farmland because people cultivate their fields but are unable to harvest their produce.
“They should set aside a day to drive them away and take them to the park because we are not allowed to kill them, yet they destroy our crops. The monkeys eat our crops, leaving us with nothing to harvest.”
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Residents Also Report Attacks by Wild Animals
In addition to monkeys destroying crops, residents of Karujumba Cell say there are also animals, including hyenas, that attack livestock and people.
They said about five people were attacked by the animals last week and taken to hospital for treatment. Many residents believe the animals come from the forests and say the situation requires a lasting solution.
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Authorities Promise to Address the Problem
Nyagatare District Mayor Kakooza Henry said authorities are working to find a solution in collaboration with the management of Akagera National Park.
He said: “There is a mechanism through which residents can receive assistance. There is an institution that compensates residents when wild animals destroy their crops, in accordance with the law. Residents report the incidents, and we write to the government institution responsible, which then comes and compensates them. We also work with Akagera National Park to remove the animals from residential areas.”
Residents Urged to Report Wildlife Incidents
Mayor Kakooza added that residents injured by wild animals are entitled to medical treatment. “A resident who is injured by a wild animal receives medical treatment. They should report the incident so that they can receive treatment. What we ask is that they report such cases.”
The residents say they have raised the issue several times and hope that their concerns will finally be heard and that the animals will be relocated to national parks.
