Something bad is happening in the Southern Province, and we need to shout it out aloud so that appropriate steps are taken to rectify the troubles there. Last month alone, three murders were committed in Gisagara, two of them perpetrated against Genocide survivors.

Some suspects have been arrested, and the district authorities are instituting every security alert necessary to secure the peace, and also give confidence to residents.

In the Southern Province still, in Nyamagana, Ruhango, security officers are investigating the alleged murder of three children.

As if this is not enough, the residents there are living in a state of siege, after complaining to district security officials of harassment by unknown people who throw heavy stones on their house roofs at night. Some have actually got hurt and have undergone treatment.

The fear is palpable, as some residents talk of abandoning their homes and seeking sanctuary elsewhere.

There is nothing for it but for the district to tighten security in the area such that there are no malingerers at night. Security should also not be looked at as an affair only for security personnel.

Ever resident should take it upon themselves to be security conscious. Residents can form vigilant night groups to monitor the situation and give some assurance to themselves that something is being done.

Otherwise there is always the risk that survivors will fear to come out to testify against 1994 Genocide perpetrators, which is exactly what these murderers want – to instill enough fear around so as to discourage such testimonies.

To the district officials, a show of force is not unnecessary. It is advisable to bring in reinforcements when least expected so that they boost the current district force on the ground.

Residents have to regain confidence in the system to protect them fully, and shed the fear.

This is resettlement time in Rwanda, and not time for running away from anywhere while inside our country.

Bigger and more organized negative forces have been decisively defeated before; how about a few murderous individuals?
Ends