Police takes anti-GBV campaign to Mahama refugee camp

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called on Burundian refugees living in Mahama refugee camp in Kirehe district to play role in the fight against Gender based Violence (GBV) human trafficking and other crimes as means to keep the camp and its neighbourhood safe.

This comes merely two months after RNP launched community policing sensitization campaign in three refugee camps including Mahama refugee camp.

While addressing refugees on August 6, the Eastern Province Spokesperson, Inspector of Police (IP) Emmanuel Kayigi, appealed to them to play active roles in prevention of crimes like Human Trafficking.

Kayigi further asked the refugees to share timely information about anyone suspected to be involved in crimes like human trafficking.

“There are people that may lure you with good jobs in foreign countries. Normally victims of human trafficking are flipped into prostitution or forced labors,” said IP Kayigi, urging them to share information about anyone suspected to be involved in human trafficking to the police.

The refugees were also sensitized on environmental protection and the need to preserve trees in and around the camp.

“A well-preserved environment is very important not only to our lives but has a direct positive impact to the development of the country. Preserving the environment especially in the camp is everyone’s responsibility,” said IP Kayigi.

The head of the refugees in the camp, Pastor Jean Bosco Kwibishaka, commended the government of Rwanda for its continued support. He also appreciated Rwanda National Police for its outreach programmes that aim at ensuring Human security.

Kwibishaka revealed the camp has been experiencing rampant cases of Gender Based Violence and drug abuse.

He urged members of the camp to put into practice the message delivered to them by RNP to ensure the camp is crime-free. He also requested that judicial Police officers be dispatched into the camp to help addressing issues of criminality.

During the event, refugees also welcomed the Police Mobile Station Van which they used to forward their complaints.

Mahama refugee camp is located in Mahama Sector in Kirehe district in the Eastern Province. The camp which was opened in April, currently hosts about 31,000 Burundian refugees.