28-year-old Rwandan recounts human trafficking ordeal in Asia, warns youth and parents

By The Inspirer.

A 28-year-old man from Kigali has shared a harrowing experience of being forced into exploitative work in an Asian country, urging parents and youth to be cautious of job offers abroad, as some may hide human trafficking.

The testimony was given during an awareness campaign on preventing human trafficking organized by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau in Nyamyumba Sector, Rubavu District. For security reasons, the man, identified as Bugingo Emile, recounted how he was lured by promises of lucrative employment abroad.

After completing high school, Bugingo had been running a car business in Kigali, using social media platforms such as Facebook to connect with clients. He was approached by someone offering a “prestigious job” in a major Asian company. “I thought it was a good, easy job that only required speaking English. They promised I would work with a team of Chinese professionals and advance quickly. They asked for my passport and I used my own money to get it,” he said.

Eager for fast career growth, Bugingo gathered his savings to cover passport and travel costs. After obtaining the passport, he was instructed to apply for a visa in Kenya, which he did using his own funds. He then received flight tickets and hotel arrangements for his arrival abroad.

Upon arrival, he was greeted by a taxi driver who took him to a hotel, but shortly after, he was given another flight to a remote area in the country. Bugingo described arriving to find people who intimidated him, confiscated his belongings, and forced him into a boat across a river to a location controlled by armed groups.

He discovered that instead of legitimate work, he was coerced into online scams, where he had to impersonate a woman to deceive men in multiple countries using photos and audio recordings. “For six months, I endured forced labor, starvation, beatings, and threats. Some even died,” he said.

At one point, he was locked in a dark room and tortured, until he began planning his escape. After a difficult journey, Bugingo was assisted by the Rwandan Embassy in Japan and the International Organization for Migration, eventually returning safely to Rwanda.

He warned youth to be extremely cautious of social media job offers, particularly those promising quick wealth abroad. “Parents should monitor their children closely. Many young people are deceived and end up in serious trouble,” he said.

During the RIB awareness campaign in Nyamyumba, residents were educated on human trafficking methods and consequences, especially in areas near borders. Many participants said they gained valuable knowledge that would help them protect themselves.

Nikobahoze Habimana, 42, said: “We used to hear about human trafficking on the radio but didn’t fully understand it. Now we know and can take precautions.”

Twubahemungu Fillette, 23, added: “I thought human trafficking only involved sexual exploitation, but now I understand the wider scope.”

Habimana Martin, Head of Good Governance in Rubavu District, said the campaign will continue in other sectors to ensure citizens are well-informed about human trafficking and how to prevent it.