Police to act after foreign nationals seen assaulting motorcycle taxi rider

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda National Police has pledged to take action following a viral video showing foreign nationals assaulting a motorcycle taxi rider in Kigali.

The footage, widely circulated on social media, especially on X, shows a group of foreigners in a confrontation with moto-taxi operators, with one of the riders being physically attacked. The incident reportedly occurred in Gasave, a neighborhood in Gisozi.

The individual who posted the video called for the immediate expulsion of the assailants, arguing that they posed a threat to public safety.

In its response, Rwanda National Police condemned the violence and stressed that foreign nationals are required to respect Rwandan laws just like citizens.

The police wrote that any form of violence is prohibited and that all individuals, including foreigners, are bound by national laws. Those who violate the law, they emphasized, face punishment. The Police also requested the complainant to provide further details about the incident through a contact number.

Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga confirmed that investigations had already begun to ensure appropriate measures are taken against everyone involved.

In June 2025, Rwanda National Police reported that 64 foreign nationals had been deported in the previous 12 months for crimes such as assault and causing bodily harm. More than 240 others were handed over to judicial authorities for various offenses.

Incidents involving violent behavior among some foreigners — particularly students from countries such as South Sudan — have been reported over the years, often linked to alcohol abuse, fighting, theft and causing injury.

Rwanda remains one of the African countries most open to foreign nationals seeking to study, invest or work, but authorities insist on zero tolerance for crime regardless of nationality.