The Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugees informs the public that a series of measures have been taken to normalize the situation in the Kiziba Refugee Camp following recent unrest.
Preliminary findings have established that a core issue causing unrest in the Kiziba Camp was the refugees’ executive committee, which was established to help in the management of the camp, but has instead been mobilizing refugees to revolt against government officials and partner institutions, denying them access to the camp, and causing disorder among the refugees, thereby rendering the camp and its surroundings unsafe.
The Minister of Disaster Management and Refugees, has, pursuant to Ministerial instructions N0 0I/2017 of 3 November 2017 on conduct of elections in refugee settings, decided to dissolve the refugees’ executive committee with immediate effect, as one of the measures to restore law and order in the camp and its surroundings.
The Ministry has also directed that violent, unruly and provocative conduct in the camp is unlawful and must stop immediately to restore peace, law and order, as well as allow for dialogue to resolve any existing or emerging challenges.
The Government of Rwanda is duty bound to provide safety to all Rwandans and refugees hosted in Rwanda. The Ministry therefore calls on all refugees to cooperate in restoring normalcy in the camp, and gives notice that any person attempting to interfere with this process will be in violation of the law and will be held to account.
The Government of Rwanda will continue to work with various partners, including UN agencies, to improve the wellbeing and protection of all refugees living in Rwanda.
UM– USEKE.RW
