Some residents of Ruli Sector in Gakenke District are calling on the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) to intervene and protect them from illegal miners who are unlawfully extracting minerals from the Rutumba River. They say the activities are damaging the environment and raising concerns that vital infrastructure might be affected as well.
One of the residents,Bagaragaza Isaa, expressed concern over how these illegal miners are threatening their safety. He said the miners are even destroying the bamboo trees that once surrounded the river.
“This river, Rutumba, used to be beautiful and surrounded by bamboo. But since the illegal miners came to extract minerals, they have damaged it completely. They cut down all the bamboo. We are worried that our schools and the nearby church could also be destroyed. “He explained.
He added that they had been working with local security patrols (irondo ry’umwuga) to try and stop the miners, who usually operate at night. However, the miners often come armed with machetes and threaten anyone who tries to stop them.
Jeannette Uwimana, another resident, also voiced concern about the illegal mining activities.
“These illegal miners come at night and dig without any regard for the environment. They’ve cut down the bamboo and thrown it away, leaving the river completely bare. We’re afraid that if heavy rains fall, the river could flood, damaging schools, the church, or even putting lives at risk since the bamboo that once held the soil together is gone.” She spoke.
Jean D’Amour Bagirijabo, the head of the inspection unit at Rwanda’s Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), explained the legal process that should be followed if someone discovers minerals on their land.
“If you discover minerals in your field, you must inform your local authorities, who will in turn inform RMB. The Board will then conduct a survey. If they confirm there are exploitable minerals, a public tender is held. Whoever wins the tender must compensate the landowner according to the law. Mining cannot be done without following this process or compensating the landowner.” He hightlighed.
RIB representative Philbert Mwenedata, reassured residents that the law is on their side. He encouraged them to report any suspicious mining activities and explained the legal penalties awaiting those who engage in illegal mineral extraction.
“Anyone caught in possession of illegally mined minerals can face 1 to 3 years in prison, or be fined between RWF 30 million and RWF 60 million. In the case of companies or cooperatives, the penalties are even higher, fines can reach RWF 70 million to RWF 90 million. The court may even decide to dissolve the cooperative and seize any confiscated minerals.”
Given that the Rutumba River is located close to key infrastructure, including schools and religious institutions, residents are calling for urgent government intervention to prevent a potential disaster. They are also appealing to authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts before the damage becomes irreversible.
