President Paul Kagame on Thursday, July 2, donated 589 bicycles to village leaders of the 18 sectors surrounding Nyungwe Forest.

The donation from the Commander-in-Chief of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is a token of appreciation to village leaders for their exemplary work.

The village leaders around Nyungwe Forest played a critical role in quelling attacks by armed groups attempting to destabilise Rwanda.

In the recent past, armed groups from neighbouring countries bordering the forest made several attempts to kill innocent lives and destroy their properties.

However, security forces in collaboration with local leaders and local communities defeated them.

On Thursday, the RDF handed over the bicycles to the village leaders in Nyaruguru, Karongi, Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts, thanking them for the brave acts.

The RDF said in a statement that the collaboration between security organs, village leaders and residents, in general, has proved that Rwandans are united and ready to defeat any enemy trying to destabilise the country.

It commended the village leaders for their understanding that the country's safety and security is a pillar for its development.

Emmanuel Nubahimana, the Nyacyondo Village leader in Ruheru Sector, said the donation is a motivation, and that they will continue their close collaboration with security organs to protect the country.

Last year saw a series of sporadic attacks by armed groups in areas of Western and Southern provinces that targeted civilians and their properties.

A similar incident occurred last week on June 27, when unidentified armed men attacked an RDF defensive position in Ruheru, Nyaruguru District. 

The armed groups were neutralised.