Mayor reassures residents on security

WESTERN PROVINCE RUBAVU—District mayor Ramadan Baringayabo has warned residents against entertaining rumors of the strength of the FDLR rebels operating in DRC, but instead concentrate on hard work to fight poverty in their midst. He was speaking at a security meeting in Gisenyi sector this week. Cell and sector authorities attended the meeting aimed at evaluating security in the town that borders North Kivu province of DRC currently embroiled in insecurity. “Our troops have the capacity to defend you and the entire country from any intrusion. The rumors of any external attacks from the FDLR forces from the neighboring DRC that are spread by some malicious people should not destruct you from developmental activities,” he said. He described poverty as the major threat other than war saying one can not be secure without essential needs such as food shelter and clothing. Baringayabo thanked sector authorities for their efforts in strengthening security and thanked residents for their financial contribution towards night patrols. He observed that night patrols had reduced on the number of criminals across the district. District police superintendent Albert Gashagaze, blamed drugs and alcoholism for the growing cases of criminal tendencies. He asked bar attendants not to sell beers to customers who appear drunk. The police chief also warned residents against drug abuse and trafficking from Goma which he said had increased violence in the area. Sector coordinator, Emanuel Manzimpaka, urged residents to minimise visits to Goma unless there is strong reason and use right channels whenever they move out of the country. He noted that unlike in the past when residents with the National Identity Cards could easily cross the border, the current insecurity in the neighboring DRC and the hostility of their soldiers should be cause for caution. Recently there has been reports of arrests and harassment of Rwandans in Goma by the DRC soldiers accusing them [Rwandans] of intent to Join Nkunda’s forces. Governor Penelope Kantarama and her counterpart Ferry Rutayikirwa, vice Governor of the Northern Kivu Province in August this year signed an agreement in Gisenyi town to work closely in fighting injustices subjected to Rwandans in DRC. The agreement achieved the release of 12 Rwandans on September 4 who had allegedly been detained in safe houses in North Kivu. Ends