The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has urged young people to exercise caution when using social media, warning that it has become one of the main tools used by human traffickers to lure victims.
The call was made during the closing event of an anti-human trafficking awareness campaign held in Burera District on Friday, February 21.
The investigation body reminded youth and the general public to use social media responsibly, noting that misuse of online platforms can negatively affect their lives. The public was advised to be careful about people they interact with online, as traffickers often deceive victims by promising attractive job opportunities and other benefits.
Jean Claude Ntirenganya, RIB Officer in charge of crime prevention, stressed the importance of responsible social media use in preventing trafficking cases.
“Social media is where many people are deceived, as traffickers often use these platforms to lure victims with promises of well-paying, easy jobs abroad,” he said.
“Anyone who wants to get rich without working hard may fall into such traps. Social media offers positive opportunities, but it must be used wisely.”
Parents were also reminded of their responsibility to guide and advise their children. They were encouraged to teach them that success is not only found abroad and that opportunities also exist within Rwanda.
“Parents should build strong relationships with their children because open communication helps prevent secrecy and vulnerability to deception,” officials said.
They also cautioned parents to remind their children that not everything seen on social media is true, noting that many platforms are used to spread fraud through sophisticated manipulation techniques.
Transport operators were equally urged to remain vigilant and professional in their work to avoid unknowingly facilitating trafficking-related crimes. Drivers attending the event pledged to contribute to the fight against human trafficking.
Joseph Habumugisha, one of the transport operators, said that although awareness campaigns are common, drivers face practical challenges in monitoring passengers.
“As drivers, we cannot always question passengers about their destinations because we must respect their rights,” he said.
“However, as Rwandans, we must live by the principle that everyone should be their neighbour’s keeper. Drivers should not only focus on earning money; if I suspect something or obtain information, I should report it so that human trafficking can be eradicated.”
Local leaders from various administrative levels in Burera District were also urged to intensify community education on preventing human trafficking.
They were encouraged to utilise community platforms such as Umuganda, community meetings, and family evening gatherings to spread awareness messages.
According to research conducted by RIB covering cases reported between 2019 and 2024, a total of 297 people were trafficked. Youth accounted for about 90 percent of the victims, while adults aged 30 and above made up 10 percent.
Immaculée Mutezimana/The kaminuza star