Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana has urged former delinquents to avoid illicit and substandard alcoholic beverages.

He made the call on Saturday, August 1, while visiting Iwawa Rehabilitation Center in Rutsiro District, alongside Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye and local officials in Western Province. The visit was part of ongoing national efforts to raise awareness about issues linked to alcohol and drug abuse among young people.

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Habimana explained that the country’s rehabilitation programmes are aimed at transforming the former delinquents into responsible and productive citizens.

"You came here because your country loves you. You had taken the wrong path of using drugs, engaging in delinquency and robbery,” the minister said. "But because your country loves you, you were given a second chance to recover the energy you lost and reintegrate into society. Do not waste that second opportunity.”

He added that the vocational skills acquired at the rehabilitation center should not be taken for granted.

"We are combatting everything that could harm the country’s children and its population,” Habimana said. "That is the reason why we will continue to ban illegal drinks. Keeping yourselves busy will help you avoid taking these illegal drinks.”

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Authorities at the rehabilitation center said that 95 percent of those undergoing rehabilitation had previously used illicit drugs.

According to Namuhoranye, combating illicit beverages and drug abuse is one of the key measures to address and prevent young people from engaging in delinquency.

"We are tackling illicit beverages and alcoholism to make sure that those who are returning to their communities will never have access to them,” said the police chief. "Having the strength to build the country involves shunning alcoholism and drug abuse.”

Seraphine Uwizeyimana is among hundreds of women who have rebuilt their lives. The former drug addict said her experience serves as an example to other former delinquents currently undergoing rehabilitation.

Uwizeyimana now runs a small business selling fruits and vegetables.

"Learn and embrace the culture of saying no,” Uwizeyimana told the current trainees at Iwawa. "Avoid bad peer groups, create new friendships and find a new way to start your life.”

Iwawa Rehabilitation Center currently hosts 4,845 trainees, according to the National Rehabilitation Service (NRS). About 2,000 of them are expected to graduate this August.