The Minister of Interior, Alfred Gasana, has on Tuesday, December 20 urged residents of Rubavu District in Bugeshi sector to avoid illegal crossing into Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), saying that the country will not be able "to rescue” them.
Speaking to citizens that gathered in Bugeshi, Minister Gasana advised local residents to not cross into DR Congo illegally since the country cannot be able to follow up on their safety once they have crossed the border or rescue their lives when they are in danger.
"Whatever causes you to cross the border illegally is prohibited. Once you do that, the county has no means to save you in those circumstances. It is putting your life at risk and it’s not easy to rescue you or differentiate you from the enemy on your way back. It's difficult to do that, but border crossing should be legal,” he noted.
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He further urged the border community to encourage their families and relatives who might be in the DR Congo jungles to come back and unite with Rwandans for national development.
Crime free festival season urged
During his long speech and interacting with local residents, Minister Gasana stressed that they should ensure a crime free festive season, ending this year and starting a new one in peace.
"Let us celebrate this festival season and not engage in crimes as a result of drunkenness, let us celebrate with our families peacefully,” he said.
Minister Gasana also said that local residents can keep welcoming DR Congo refugees and report them to authorities so they can be well cared for.
Agnes Nyirahabwanimana, a resident from Kabuhanga village and other residents from Bugeshi sector including Athanase Sebageni welcomed the Minister’s message saying that maintaining their safety is part of their responsibility.
"I encourage them to return safely back to their country, keep safe and be ready to work with security personnel.” Sebageni added.
Smuggling, which could result in deaths, and unnecessary movements were also warned by the Interior Minister.