English
Kinyarwanda
Fighting trafficking, manufacture, trade and consumption of narcotic drugs and illicit drinks should be a collective effort by all Rwandans to effectively strengthen current strategies in combating the vice the is rated high among the youth.
Jacques Rutsinga, the mayor of Kamonyi district made the call on May 4 while speaking to residents of Rugaruka Sector.
The meeting had been convened to discuss, among others, on various issues related to security in the sector.
It was also attended by the District Police Commander, Supt. Hamza Vita.
Rutsinga reminded the residents to take an upper hand in fighting drug related crimes by reporting dealers and users, some who are their neighbors.
Cannabis, illicit gin like kanyanga, chief waragi and other locally made brew are the common drugs in Rwanda.
Rutsinga further urged them to seek legal solution for their domestic conflicts and always strive to live in harmony instead of being defined by conflicts that result into fights, injuries and sometime causing death.
They were also reminded to tighten night patrols and reinforce the concept of neighborhood watch, and be active in community development programmes.
Supt. Hamza told the residents that cannabis and other illicit drinks are among the major causes of domestic violence and other crimes like child abuse, theft and assault in communities.
"By fighting drug abuse you will be protecting and drawing a better future line for your children. You can hide drug dealers today and tomorrow your child will be the victim," Supt. Hamza said
He appealed to parents to always be close, monitor and spend time with their children, understand their characters and talk to them about consequences of drug abuse.
Fighting drugs abuse and breaking the supply chain is among the Rwanda National Police priorities.
This explains why the force conducts periodic awareness against the vice in communities across the country which has seen a number of dealers arrested and drugs seized and destroyed.
