Human Trafficking in Rwanda: A Growing Concern
In a shocking revelation, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has announced that 105 Rwandans were repatriated over the past year after falling victim to human trafficking. This disturbing trend sheds light on the primary causes, methods used by traffickers, and government efforts to combat the crime. According to RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira, the repatriations occurred between June 2024 and May 2025, with the victims having been trafficked to various countries.
The causes of human trafficking are multifaceted, with some victims being lured by promises of jobs, while others are deceived by fake visas, scholarships, or employment opportunities. Alarmingly, traffickers can even include people known to the victims, such as parents or close acquaintances. Murangira emphasized that a growing number of educated and informed individuals are now among the victims, dispelling the notion that only the uneducated are targeted.
A recent case involving 10 Rwandans who were trafficked to Myanmar highlights the severity of the issue. The victims were promised high-paying jobs in call centers, with salaries ranging between $1,000 and $1,500, but were instead subjected to forced labor and fraudulent activities. Murangira warned that human traffickers exploit people’s hopes by offering fake opportunities, often operating through social media, unregistered agencies, or individuals posing as well-wishers.
The RIB has intercepted 39 individuals between June 2019 and July 2024, and an additional 57 people between July 2024 and March 2025, who were on their way to be trafficked. These statistics underscore the need for vigilance and awareness among Rwandans, particularly when dealing with strangers or informal agents claiming to facilitate travel, education, or job opportunities abroad.
Despite the relatively low prevalence of human trafficking in Rwanda, estimated at 0.4 percent per 100,000 population, Murangira stressed that the severity of the crime should not be viewed solely through statistics. "The gravity of this crime lies not in the numbers but in its inhumanity," he said. "Trafficking turns people into commodities. It is a gross violation of human dignity."
The Rwandan government is working closely with countries identified as frequent destinations for trafficked Rwandans, pushing for the prosecution of traffickers and dismantling trafficking networks. Ongoing national efforts are focused on awareness and prevention, with Murangira emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in combating human trafficking. "Youth should educate their peers, and parents should speak to other parents. We must break the chain of silence and misinformation," he said.
As Rwanda continues to grapple with the issue of human trafficking, it is essential for citizens to remain vigilant and question offers that seem too good to be true. By working together, Rwandans can help prevent this heinous crime and protect their fellow citizens from falling prey to traffickers. The fight against human trafficking requires a collective effort, and it is only through awareness, education, and cooperation that we can hope to eradicate this scourge and restore dignity to those who have been exploited.
