The governor of the Western Province, Lambert Dushimimana has issued a stern warning to residents living in districts bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), cautioning them against engaging in illegal crossings that jeopardise their safety.
ALSO READ: Rubavu residents assured of safety as authorities crack down on ‘criminal gang’
In an interview with The New Times, Governor Dushimimana disclosed instances of individuals unlawfully crossing into DR Congo, stressing the perilous nature of such actions.
"People are not discouraged from engaging in legitimate cross-border activities such as trade or importing goods from DR Congo. However, it's imperative to recognise that Rwandans face risks there. Therefore, those crossing into DR Congo for business purposes, supplying goods to Congolese, should utilise official border points," he said.
"We've observed cases where residents crossed into DR Congo via unofficial routes and encountered various challenges. Those intending to cross should also adhere to designated hours," the governor said.
Dushimimana's warning comes in the wake of several incidents involving border residents who illegally entered DR Congo and were fatally shot while returning, purportedly engaged in smuggling activities. Despite the efforts of security forces, the identities of these individuals remain unknown.
DR Congo, which shares a border with Rwanda, is home to the genocidal militia group, FDLR, which has been known to operate near the border region despite ostensibly collaborating with the Congolese army.
Second-hand clothing ranks among the items frequently smuggled from DR Congo into the Western Province and other parts of Rwanda, including the capital city, Kigali.
In a recent incident, a 17-year-old named Emmanuel Maniragaba was fatally shot in the Rubavu sector, allegedly while resisting security forces upon re-entering Rwanda from DR Congo, where he was involved in smuggling activities.
According to Emmanuel Blaise Harerimana, the Executive Secretary of Rubavu Sector, there is an ongoing crackdown on smugglers as part of a broader effort to address border-related crimes.
ALSO READ: Burera registers decline in smuggling, drugs — officials
Harerimana stressed the need for concerted efforts to combat smuggling, noting that border residents often resist abandoning entrenched behaviors.
The sector is actively engaged in citizen mobilisation and promoting a shift in mindset among individuals involved in border-related offenses, with punitive measures reserved for those who persist in illegal activities.