The National Electoral Commission has approved 2,506 candidates to contest for various leadership positions in the upcoming local government elections across the country.

It is important that as we go into this next stage of entrenching democracy in the country at the grassroots level, voters and citizens as a whole, keep vigilant as there are detractors who do not wish such democratic practices to take root in Rwanda and are bent on causing misery in addition to portraying the country as an unsafe place.

The grenade attack on Friday evening is clearly the work of terrorists, bent on frustrating Rwanda’s enviable development and democratic process.

Last year, similar attacks were witnessed and the authorities and security services were able to locate and hold to account some of those responsible, although the top masterminds remain in foreign countries.

The attack that led to the loss of two lives in Giporoso, Remera, is a sad reminder of what such criminals are still bent on doing. They have formed alliances with other terrorists and hope to cause a sense of panic to smear the country’s image.

Nevertheless, citizens should be assured of their security as the government has over the past sixteen years restored and maintained security of person and property across the country. What is imperative is that everyone at whatever level remains vigilant, and works hand in hand with the authorities when necessary to avert any such attack.

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