Following our previous alert (🔴 CITIZENS’ ALERT: Forced Money Collection in Bwiza – Residents Denounce Abuses by Local Authorities – KUF-ASBL) regarding the pressures exerted on the residents of Bwiza neighborhood, we are pleased to report a positive development. The neighborhood chief, AKIMANA Claudine, who had been forcing residents to pay money to celebrate what she called the “Thanksgiving Day” ceremony, has seen this forced collection halted.
Higher authorities decided to cancel both the collection and the ceremony, acknowledging that this practice was abusive and unjustified, especially in a context of widespread poverty affecting the residents.
This cancellation has been welcomed with relief by the citizens, who express gratitude that their rights and dignity have been respected. The population also emphasizes that vigilance remains essential, and that any such initiative must now adhere to legality, transparency, and the consent of the residents.
Within our organization, we applaud this decision and encourage the authorities to continue protecting citizens from all forms of abuse or financial pressure imposed by local administrations.