Musanze residents alarmed by rampant illegal logging
Residents of Musanze Sector in Musanze District are deeply concerned about a surge in timber theft, as criminals invade their forests, cut down trees, and sell the wood—leaving the rightful owners at a loss.
This rampant deforestation is particularly severe in Cyabagarura Cell, where forest owners say they are powerless to stop the thieves. Many fear retaliation if they report them, as previous informants have been violently attacked.
Oscar Nzabakurikiza explains: “These thieves chop down our trees in broad daylight and sell them to people constructing houses. We’ve tried to stop them, but they keep coming back, cutting down more trees every night until we wake up to find our forests wiped out.”
He adds, “If a forest owner tries to confront them, they chase him down and may even attack him with their tools. We’ve reported this to local authorities, including RIB (Rwanda Investigation Bureau), but some thieves are arrested only to be released the next day. Once freed, they track down and assault those who reported them.”
A recent case involves a man who reported the thieves’ whereabouts. He was later ambushed at his shop and brutally attacked with a machete, leaving him hospitalized with severe head injuries.
Another resident laments: “Our forests are under siege! We aren’t abandoning them by choice, but out of fear. The government, which has freed us from past security threats, must also protect us from these criminals who are robbing us of our hard-earned investments.”
Local Authorities Vow Action
Musanze Sector Executive Secretary, Edouard Twagirimana, insists that illegal loggers face legal consequences. He urges residents to continue reporting such activities, assuring them that action is being taken.
“Anyone caught cutting down trees illegally is arrested and punished. Some are sent to rehabilitation centers like the one in Kinigi, while others face legal prosecution and sentencing. We are actively tracking these criminals in collaboration with the community.”
Twagirimana dismisses claims that authorities have failed to curb the problem and warns buyers of stolen wood, saying they too will face penalties.
“If you purchase stolen timber, you are as guilty as the thief. Before buying, ensure the seller legally owns the trees and has followed harvesting regulations. We need collective vigilance to track down both the thieves and their buyers.”