Rwanda National Police

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye, has urged the youth to reject drug abuse and illicit alcohol, saying responsible choices are essential to building a safer and better Rwanda.

CG Namuhoranye made the call on Saturday, September 19, in Karongi District, where he joined residents of Rubengera Sector, Gacaca Cell, for a special youth community work (Umuganda) conducted as part of a nationwide campaign to mobilise young people against drug abuse and illicit alcohol.

The nationwide campaign, organised by the youth under the theme, “Irinde Ibiyobyabwenge-Wiheshe Agaciro” (Avoid drugs—value yourself), combined community work with awareness activities aimed at encouraging young people to reject drugs, illicit alcohol and other harmful behaviours. The community work included cleaning and clearing drainage channels.

The activity in Karongi was attended by the Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Mireille Batamuliza, and other security and local government officials.

Dr Nsanzimana urged the youth to stay away from drugs and illicit alcohol and remain sober so that they can effectively contribute to the country's development.

“We need you healthy and sober, without illicit alcohol, tobacco, injectable drugs and other substances that can affect your minds. Rwanda will be developed by its young people with clear and sober minds,” he said.

He said that about 20 million litres of illicit alcohol, both packaged and unpackaged, had been identified since the campaign against the beverages began, urging people still keeping such substances to surrender them voluntarily.

CG Namuhoranye said that since the campaign against illicit alcohol began, offences including assault, injuries, violence and those related to drug abuse have been declining.

“We are gradually moving from bad to good. The Police appreciates everyone who abandons crime and harmful habits because these are positive decisions that build a better Rwanda. They are important decisions because today’s youth are tomorrow’s Rwanda,” he said.

He urged the youth to strengthen cooperation with government, cultural and security institutions, saying collective efforts are essential to building a Rwanda free from drug abuse and illicit alcohol.

“Help us so that we do not go back to illicit alcohol because it is harmful to the mind and brain and does not build the Rwanda we want for tomorrow,” CG Namuhoranye said.

Nzamuramabaho Frederic, a member of Agents of Change youth group from Rubengera (Imboni z’Impinduka), shared his experience of overcoming drug and alcohol abuse after undergoing rehabilitation at Iwawa.

He said he underwent rehabilitation four times but made a lasting decision to change after IGP Namuhoranye visited Iwawa and encouraged residents to change their behaviour and return to their communities to contribute to building a better Rwanda.

“I decided to abandon all those behaviours completely. Today, instead of people seeing me as a problem, they see me as part of the solution in my community,” he said, encouraging other young people involved in harmful behaviours to change and live positively with others.