The announcement was made in a statement issued by the RNP on August 19, 2025, through its official X account.
The statement followed discussions aired on TV1 and later circulated on social media, in which media personality Kakooza Nkuliza Charles (KNC) and journalist Mutabaruka Angelbert raised concerns that some foreigners in Rwanda act with impunity, including physically assaulting citizens.
KNC argued that just as the Government of Rwanda continues to prioritize the fight against violence, assault, and battery among its citizens, the same standards should be applied to foreign residents.
In its response, the Rwanda National Police stressed that the matter is well known and has been under close monitoring by relevant institutions.
'This issue has been under investigation by institutions including the Police, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau [RIB], the National Public Prosecution Authority [NPPA], and the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. Measures have already been taken,' the Police stated.
According to the RNP, in the past year, over 240 people were handed over to judicial authorities for crimes including assault, battery, and theft, while 64 foreigners were repatriated to their countries of origin.
The Police reaffirmed that no one is above the law in Rwanda and emphasized that all offenders, regardless of nationality, are held accountable without exception.
'We will continue to work closely with embassy officials representing their countries in Rwanda to encourage their citizens to comply with national laws,' the statement added.
Reports of violent conduct among some foreign residents have frequently been linked to students from countries such as South Sudan and others pursuing studies in Rwanda, with cases often involving drunkenness, assault, and theft.
Rwanda remains one of the African countries most open to foreign nationals, welcoming those who wish to invest or pursue education.
In recent years, the country has attracted thousands of young people from across the continent, many of whom are enrolled in private universities operating in Rwanda.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/64-foreigners-deported-over-assault-and-related-offenses
