The Rwanda National Police has disclosed that 240 South Sudanese nationals have been charged in court over the past year, while 64 others were repatriated, in a crackdown that reflects Rwanda’s strict stance on law enforcement compared to regional practices.
The suspects faced charges including assault, bodily harm, and theft, according to officials.
The actions, taken in coordination with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau
(RIB), Prosecution, and the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, follow months of public concern about the conduct of some South Sudanese residents in Rwanda.
“No one is above the law in Rwanda, and those who commit crimes or other offenses are pursued without discrimination,” the Police said in a statement.
Authorities added that they are working closely with embassies to encourage compliance with local laws.
Rwanda’s response stands out in a region where cross-border migration and crime remain sensitive issues. In countries like Uganda and Kenya, South Sudanese communities have also faced heightened scrutiny, often linked to urban crime or community tensions.
Rwanda’s decision to combine prosecution with repatriation signals both deterrence and a commitment to maintaining public order while engaging diplomatically with South Sudan’s government.
The measures align with Rwanda’s reputation for firm rule of law, and they illustrate a wider regional challenge of balancing integration of migrant communities with public security.
