Rwanda National Police

Rwandans must endeavor to fight against gender-based violence and sensitize their fellow countrymen about the dangers of the scourge.

The call stems from an incident on March 9, when a man in Rutsiro District, Musasa Sector, assaulted and seriously injured his wife.

Identified as Baptiste Rusanganira, the suspect was reported by residents and apprehended. He is currently held at Kayove Police Station for further investigations, while his wife is at Musasa Hospital for treatment.

“This was a case of drunkenness that forced the man to assault his wife. By fighting making, selling and consumption of illicit brew, we will be preventing gender-based violence and the public's role in vital in this case,” Superintendent Emmanuel Hitayezu, Police Spokesperson for Western Region, said.

“The crime of Gender based violence cannot be tolerated in Rwanda and Police will continue to carry out operations and sensitizations against it, as well as sensitize residents on how to solve conflicts peacefully without resorting to violence.”

GBV crimes, which are usually fueled by drunkenness and drug abuse, range from assault, rape, manipulation and similar acts which breach the fundamental right to life, liberty, security, dignity, equality, non-discrimination and physical and mental integrity.

Rwanda has seen a significant drop of GBV cases over the years; however, the crime remains one of the most prevalent in our society.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) strongly stands against this scourge and has consistently worked with other institutions such as the ministry of gender and family promotion to engage the public through sensitization campaigns calling for the respect of people’s dignity and upholding values of gender equality.

Police has promoted community policing, through which the public voluntarily shares information with officers, which helps to prevent GBV, arrest culprits or identify victims in need of help.