Rwanda National Police (RNP) has arrested three foreign nationals accused of assaulting and injuring motorcycle taxi operators (motari) in Gatenga Sector, Kicukiro District.
In a statement released on its social media platforms, the Police confirmed that the suspects are students at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK). However, their nationalities were not disclosed.
“The suspects are currently detained at Kicukiro Police Station as investigations continue in collaboration with relevant institutions to ensure that appropriate legal measures are taken,” the statement reads.
The Police further urged the public to promptly report such incidents and warned that acts of violence and disorder will not be tolerated.
This is not the first time foreign students have been linked to violent behavior. In December 2024, reports surfaced of repeated altercations involving some foreign youths, prompting the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, to call for calm and mutual respect.
“I would like to remind everyone that violence and hostility among young people have no place in Rwandan society,” the minister posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding that “discriminatory or inflammatory remarks, particularly against South Sudanese nationals, contradict Rwandan values.”
Residents living in neighborhoods with large foreign student populations have frequently raised concerns about incidents of drunkenness and violent confrontations—especially involving individuals from South Sudan.
Motorcycle taxi riders have also reported cases of being attacked or robbed by passengers, leading to repeated clashes.
In August 2025, Rwanda National Police revealed that, over the previous 12 months, 240 foreign nationals had been handed over to judicial authorities for various offenses, including assault, theft, and disorderly conduct, while 64 were deported to their home countries.