Two parents from Rusizi District have expressed concern after their sons were allegedly taken to the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo by a neighbor, fearing the young men may have been trafficked.
The parents, residents of Nzahaha Sector, raised the issue with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau and the International Organization for Migration on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The concerns emerged during a public awareness campaign on preventing and combating human trafficking held in Rwimbogo Sector.
The campaign, held under the theme “Everyone’s role in preventing and combating human trafficking,” provided a platform for community members to share concerns about suspicious recruitment activities.
One parent explained that a man identified as Ntibaziyaremye Faustin had repeatedly promised their sons employment opportunities in Congo. According to the parent, the suspect eventually took the young men across the border without informing their families.
Mukantakiyimana Alphonsine, the mother of one of the youths, said her son Mutuyimana Anicet, 20, and another young man were persuaded by the neighbor who claimed he would find them jobs in a mine in Congo.
“Faustin kept telling them he would help them find work in Congo. Later, he took them there without our knowledge,” Alphonsine said.
She added that on January 19, 2026, the suspect wrote a letter promising to return the two young men to their families by January 23. However, weeks later, the families say they have still not heard from their children.
Officials from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau reassured the families that the case is under investigation and confirmed that the suspect has already been arrested.
Jean Claude Ntirenganya, a crime prevention officer at RIB, said authorities are currently working to determine the location of the two young men in order to facilitate their return to Rwanda.
“This is a serious issue, especially since it involves young people. As soon as RIB received the information, the suspect was arrested and a case file was opened. We are now working with relevant authorities to locate the youths and bring them back,” he said.
Ntirenganya also urged parents to maintain close communication with their children so they can identify potential dangers early and prevent cases of human trafficking.
Rwandan law imposes severe penalties for human trafficking. Offenders found guilty of trafficking within the country face prison sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years, along with fines between 10 million and 15 million Rwandan francs.
Cases involving cross-border trafficking carry even harsher punishments. Convicted offenders can face 20 to 25 years in prison and fines ranging from 20 million to 25 million Rwandan francs.
Authorities continue to encourage communities to report suspicious activities as part of the broader effort to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.
Source: UMUSEKE