In Musaga zone, citizens who earn their living by transporting people on motorcycles report serious abuses that they say have been ongoing for several days.
According to their testimonies, these motorcycle taxi drivers have been subjected to intimidation, violence, and arbitrary arrests carried out by Imbonerakure acting in collaboration with individuals who claim to work at the Presidency. The victims are asking clear questions: why are they being arrested, and who is behind these actions?
Residents of Musaga state that an Imbonerakure known as Régis, who claims to work at the Presidency, operates together with other identified Imbonerakure, including Cedrick Ishimwe. Together, they are alleged to have set up a system of harassment and extortion targeting motorcycle taxi drivers.
These actions are reportedly carried out with the involvement of a military officer known as Aimé, well known in Musaga, who claims to be part of the military intelligence services.
The Imbonerakure frequently use a pick-up vehicle said to belong to a police colonel named Josias, who is also presented as working at the Presidency and is often seen in the company of these Imbonerakure. Using this vehicle, they regularly go to the motorcycle taxi parking area commonly known as “chez Ruhara”, where they demand money from drivers while claiming to be acting on orders from senior authorities.
Any driver who refuses to pay is then accused of trafficking smuggled fuel, an allegation used as a pretext for arrest and detention.
This situation has created a climate of constant fear among motorcycle taxi drivers. Many say they now work under severe pressure, viewing these acts as an organized extortion scheme targeting citizens who are simply trying to earn an honest living.
🔶 Detentions described as unjust
On Friday, 26/12/2025, the Imbonerakure led by Régis arrived at the motorcycle taxi parking area in the above-mentioned pick-up vehicle and demanded money. The drivers collectively refused to comply. In retaliation, three motorcycle taxi drivers were arrested and taken to the holding cell of Musaga zone, where they were accused of selling smuggled fuel.
As of today, these three citizens remain detained. Their colleagues and other residents of Musaga are calling for their immediate release, denouncing what they describe as a clear injustice. They also demand an end to the violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests directed at citizens who are merely trying to support their families through motorcycle taxi work.