RIB warns of rising human trafficking as Rwandans are lured into forced labor abroad

By The Inspirer.

By The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has issued a fresh warning about the growing threat of human trafficking, revealing that Rwandan nationals are being lured abroad under false pretenses and subjected to forced labor, prostitution, and other abuses.

Speaking at a press briefing on June 2, 2025, RIB spokesperson Dr. Thierry Murangira said recent cases point to a rise in deceptive recruitment schemes, particularly targeting vulnerable youth with promises of lucrative jobs overseas. The warning comes just weeks after 10 Rwandans were repatriated from Myanmar on April 23, having been trafficked and forced into exploitative labor conditions.

“They were promised jobs in call centers with salaries ranging between $1,000 and $1,500, with additional bonuses based on performance,” said Dr. Murangira. “But these promises turned out to be lies designed to exploit them.”

RIB noted that traffickers often operate through social media and shady recruitment agencies, falsely offering assistance with visas, scholarships, and educational opportunities abroad. Many victims, especially young women, end up in prostitution, forced labor, or even organ trafficking rings, with some being used to carry out criminal activities.

“How can someone you’ve never seen or met suddenly offer you a life-changing opportunity?” Dr. Murangira cautioned. “This is how traffickers operate—through manipulation and emotional exploitation.”

Between June 2024 and May 2025, 105 Rwandans were rescued and returned from foreign countries where they were being trafficked. An additional 57 trafficking attempts were intercepted before the victims could leave the country, according to RIB.

The Bureau also revealed that in the past five years, 297 Rwandans have been victims of human trafficking, with women accounting for 75% of those affected. Many were trafficked to countries in Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Laos, after being promised well-paying jobs that never materialized.

Dr. Murangira confirmed that the government is actively working with partner countries to ensure traffickers are brought to justice, but emphasized the need for greater public awareness to prevent more Rwandans from falling victim.

“We are not only arresting perpetrators but also dismantling the networks that facilitate human trafficking,” he said. “Our priority is to educate and protect Rwandans, especially the youth.”

RIB estimates that human trafficking affects about 0.4% per 100,000 people in Rwanda—a figure that underscores the urgency of addressing the issue through both law enforcement and preventive education.