Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has strongly condemned acts of child abuse, including severe cases like infanticide - and called on the Rwandan community to protect children against such terrible acts.

Such cases have been slowly emerging in some communities, with the latest happening on February 22, when a 26 year old woman identified as Regina Uwamungu in Kabarole Sector, Gatsibo District, is alleged to have buried alive her baby girl shortly after giving birth.

However, the baby's cries were heard by residents, who intervened and managed and save the baby albeit in critical condition.

According to the Eastern Province Spokesperson, Inspector of Police, Emmanuel Kayigi, the baby and her mother were rushed to Kabarole Hospital in critical condition, but unfortunately, the baby lost her life on the way to hospital.

He commended the public for rushing to help the victim and for providing timely information to Police, which enabled officers to arrive at the scene in time.

"The young woman is still in hospital and Police is conducting investigation into the case. The crime of infanticide is the worst crime committed against children and it cannot be tolerated in Rwanda. The residents reacted fast enough to try and save the baby, which is commendable, but people should understand that this act is a criminal offense," he said.

He called for increased neighborhood watches and patrols, as well as for increased community policing mechanisms and awareness campaigns against child abuse.

He argued that although some parents are psychologically stressed into committing atrocities like infanticide and abortion. the society can perform its role by sensitizing the youth on medical and psychological facilities that they can access to ensure that they do not commit the atrocities

"We should not let children suffer. There are several ways through which young mothers can be helped through advice and seeking medical help. If there are signs that they might commit such atrocities, the citizens should report to Police immediately," he said.

Infanticide, which is defined under Rwandan law as killing a biological or adopted child, is punished with life imprisonment under the Penal Code article 143.