On Saturday, 31May 2025 Residents of Rukoma and Karama sectors, in collaboration with local leaders and security agencies, conducted a community work (umuganda) to restore about 20 hectares of Gikoro Wetland, which had been illegally exploited by individuals referred to as abahebyi (illegal miners) extracting valuable stones. Authorities have vowed to continue monitoring those involved in these unlawful activities.
Some affected residents expressed frustration, stating that the so-called abahebyi invaded their cultivated land to extract the precious stones without permission.
Nyirabagwaneza, one of the residents, shared her ordeal, saying:
“The people called abahebyi came and destroyed the crops I had planted, extracting valuable stones without any regard. They operated freely, armed with machetes, dogs, and metal tools, leaving me in hardship. I used to harvest 200 kilograms of maize, but now, after more than four months, I’m struggling.”She questioned where the authorities were before the situation escalated, urging timely intervention.
Governor Kayitesi Alice addressed residents who participated in umuganda (community work), but reminded them that it is not their responsibility to search for valuable minerals.
She said: “I reiterate that it is not the residents’ duty to search for areas with valuable minerals, nor are you authorized to issue permits. There are institutions mandated to handle that, and even if such minerals are present, they must be extracted in a manner permitted by the law.”
ACP Twizere Désire, the Southern Province Police Commander, emphasized that the community work aimed at constructing a beneficial road for everyone. He stated:
“No one should wake up and engage in illegal activities. Just as one must obtain permits before building a house, we are a country governed by laws.”He urged residents and leaders to remain vigilant, noting that the illegal extraction of precious stones harms the national economy and the environment. He encouraged prompt reporting of such crimes to prevent further damage.
Additionally, he warned that those hiding behind the term abahebyi a label not recognized in Rwanda to justify illegal mining will face legal consequences.”We are all Rwandans; there is no such thing as abahebyi in our country.”
The Gikoro Wetland, covering approximately 86 hectares, was rehabilitated in 2012.
