Kinyarwanda
English
Rwanda National Police (RNP) has said that the security situation in the ongoing presidential campaigns in “generally calm” with no major incidents.
Reacting on the security situation over the past one week of the campaigns, RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Theos Badege, said that although the force has put in place “extra caution” to ensure safety of people, “Rwandans have continued to exhibit the highest spirit of vigilance and respect for the law while exercising their electoral rights either on campaign sites or communities.”
“So far, there was only one incident where a truck was involved in an accident in Gasaka Sector in Nyamagabe District, injuring two people,” ACP Badege said.
The victims were immediately rushed to Kigeme hospital for medical attention.
“We call upon motorists to abide by traffic rules and regulations especially during the ongoing presidential campaigns, where movements are very high, to prevent fatal accidents. Elections do not replace other laws,” ACP Badege said.
“We have witnessed numerous reckless and risky behaviors of some motorists in the past one week of campaigns. Some motorcyclists ride without helmets, and with passengers seated in unlawful and risky styles which can easily result into fatal accident,” he noted.
He also warned against over-speeding, over-loading and bad maneuvers, the other reckless behaviours he said are common.
“While exercising your electoral rights, you should do it in a way that doesn’t violate other laws or rights of others.”
Particularly, on vehicles transporting people, he emphasized that they should carry the required number as per the insurance, and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy.
The spokesperson called for continued vigilance and exchange of information on anything that can affect the social wellbeing of the people in their communities, campaign sites and on roads.
