Think biG!

Urge- DevWire

News. Analysis. Events

Urge Dev-News | UrgeDevWire

A weekly development news platform published by UrgeDevWire, produced by Urge Communications. Covering wider East African region.

Dev-News News Desk| East Africa. Urge- DevWire

Rwanda Reports Repatriation of 289 Human Trafficking Victims Since 2025

Kigali, Rwanda | 23 to 24 July 2026

Rwanda's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, told the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, National Unity and Security on 23 July that the government has facilitated the return of 289 trafficking victims from four countries since 2025.

The breakdown given was 101 individuals from Cambodia, 99 from Oman, 58 from Laos and 31 from Myanmar, tracked between 2025 and March 2026. The operations were coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation together with the International Organization for Migration. Ugirashebuja said returnees receive support through Isange One Stop Centres, covering shelter, medical care and reintegration services including education and vocational training. The minister cited weak cross border cooperation as a persistent obstacle, noting Interpol data showing collaboration among African countries in tackling trafficking stands at roughly five percent.

Fifty four suspects have been prosecuted over the past three years, with twelve convictions recorded in 2025. Senators called for expanded public awareness campaigns targeting young people lured by fraudulent overseas job offers.

Sources: The New Times (Kigali); allAfrica; Africa Press English

Dev-News Desk| East Africa. Urge- DevWire