Forty families in Kamonyi District that had for long been marred with wrangles have been reconciled through a Rwanda National Police (RNP) mediation programme. The programme is intended to solve domestic disputes, that often result into gender violence, home neglect and broken families. An event was held in Kamonyi District on Friday to help settle some of the differences. Pricilla Nyiramafaranga, who benefited from the initiative, said her family was for long embroiled in unending wrangles to the extent that she was considering filing for divorce. “I would not have come to terms with my spouse if the Police had not brought us together and educated us about the potential consequencies of our misunderstandings. We have agreed with my partner to help other families that are facing similar problems,” Nyiramafaranga said. Other couples echoed similar sentiments, appealing to Police to continue with the initiative in a bid to ensure sustainable security in the community. The District Community Liaison Officer of Kamonyi, AIP Athanase Niyonagira, noted that many neighbourhood crimes sometimes emanate from unsolved family wrangles. “Curbing family disputes and domestic violence is paramount in community policing. This is why we put a lot of emphasis on ensuring that families address wrangles before they escalate into crime,” AIP Niyonagira said. “Police emphasises the need to help families overcome their misunderstandings; whereby, police counselors and mediators reach out to identified families and help them forge a way to solve their differences amicably.” The Executive Secretary of Mugina Sector, Jean de Dieu Nkurunziza warned the residents about the effects of family disputes. “In case you have any conflicts report to the authorities rather than resorting to violence,” Nkurunziza said. “Persistent family wrangles bring about several consequences, including traumatising children who may end up dropping out of school, resorting to drug abuse or joining crime gangs.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw
