Rwanda National Police

Local authorities and Police in Gakenke District, on September 24, visited five households of Gisozi Cell in Nemba Sector, that were experiencing domestic conflicts as part of the efforts to ensure they live in harmony.

The house-to-house exercise was headed by the vice mayor in charge of social affairs, Catherine Uwimana.

The families in question had been experiencing internal conflicts largely due to negligence and male chauvinism, according to Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Rwatangabo Bizimana, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO), who attended the meeting.

One of the reconciled couples; Celestin Twizerimana and Domitille Bosenibo narrated how they were leaving in conflicts.

“We were quarreling all the time, but it was my fault. I was a drunkard, neglected my duties and even spent the little family income in the bar. My wife had all reasons to be angry at me and to react,” Twizerimana said.

“I failed my family, but today I have realized all the wrong deeds and ready to mend the ends,” he added.

His wife, Domitille, who also narrated the ordeal at the hands of her husband, thanked Police and the local leaders for reuniting the family and publicly said that she had forgiven her husband.

“We have to move on to provide for our children,” said Domitille.

The vice mayor thanked the families for bringing their conflicts forward, which facilitated amicable resolutions to restore harmony.

She appealed to women to be the heart of their families, but challenged husbands to also listen to their spouses, and support their ideas.

“A family includes man, woman, and children. The decision taken by one should involved and be in the interest of all,” the vice mayor told the reconciled families.

AIP Rwatangabo reminded the families that conflicts between couples have far consequences to their children.

“It is a security concern, an underdevelopment factor and influences children to leave their homes, drop out of school as they lack parental care and guidance,” the DCLO told the couples.

He also reminded them child neglect is a crime punishable by law.

Article 227 of the penal code states that a parent or guardian, who neglects a child without reasonable cause to the extent that the health, security and the living conditions are seriously jeopardized or a child under care indulges in vagrancy shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of at least two months but less than six months and a fine of up to Rwf1 million.

Under the same article, a parent or guardian, who jeopardizes the education the child through ill treatment, parental drunkenness or misconduct, faces the same penalty.

AIP Rwatangabo also urged them to always seek guidance from the police, local leaders and other legal institutions rather than taking matters in their own hands, which is criminal.