Editor,

First of all, allow me to thank the Government for the great efforts it has made to remove children from the streets to rehabilitation centres, such as Gitagata. However, they should not be treated as if they are criminals.

Some of these street children are orphans of the 1994 Rwanda’s Genocide against the Tutsi, while others escaped their homes due to poverty, or mistreatment by their parents or guardians.

My complaint follows an incident which happened last week, while in Kigali’s commercial centre. An armed Local Defence guy was dragging away a street child and as a result, the child was almost knocked down by a taxi.

Sometimes security officials use unnecessary efforts and abusive words to these kids but I appreciate the idea of resettling the street children.

Nyarutarama