[Rwanda Safety] Is the Capital Kigali a Clean and Safe City with Not a Single Piece of Trash?

Rwanda, located in Central Africa, may evoke concerns about security when recalling the genocide that occurred in 1994. However, contrary to that image, the city is kept impeccably clean and its public safety is very stable compared to many other countries. This is because the Rwandan government has actively implemented security measures.

Still, when traveling abroad, it is wise to check the local security situation. Even in relatively safe Rwanda, here are some specific precautions to keep in mind.

1. Avoid Staying Too Long in Crowded Areas

In Rwanda, where the number of general crimes is low and public safety is stable, you can enjoy tourism in a calm atmosphere. However, between 2010 and 2014, there was a period when security deteriorated, and there were several incidents in Kigali where hand grenades were thrown in crowded areas, resulting in many injuries and fatalities. Although these incidents were not specifically targeted at foreigners, please keep this in mind.

Places where large numbers of people gather after sunset—such as markets, taxi stands, and bus stops—carry a risk for foreign tourists. Stay alert to changes in security conditions in Rwanda and its neighboring countries, and try to avoid staying in crowded places for long periods to prevent getting inadvertently caught up in any incidents.

2. Choose Your Accommodation Carefully

When traveling, the choice of accommodation is crucial. Even though Rwanda’s safety is relatively good, try to avoid extremely cheap lodgings or areas that have an unsafe atmosphere. There have been cases where valuables and cash were stolen from hotel rooms. Since it is difficult to carry all your belongings while sightseeing, it is best to choose a safe, reliable place to store your items.

In Kigali, there are accommodations such as “Mil Colin,” which sheltered refugees during the genocide. We recommend selecting your lodging carefully according to your budget and needs to ensure a comfortable and secure visit.

3. Be Cautious When Touring Near Borders

Although the security within Rwanda is currently stable, the country is bordered by four other nations, so conditions in neighboring countries can sometimes affect the region. In particular, the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is unstable; in 2015, operations were conducted to root out Rwandan anti-government armed groups. Additionally, in Burundi, located to the south, conflicts between pro- and anti-president factions erupted during the 2015 presidential election, resulting in casualties.

Due to such circumstances, the Rwandan Defence Forces have increased border security. If you see soldiers near the border, please refrain from taking photos casually. There have been instances where photographic equipment was confiscated. It is also advisable to keep informed about the security situation in neighboring countries.

4. Water Activities at Kib Lake Have Resulted in Fatalities!

Rwanda is considered one of the safer countries in Africa, but you may still be caught up in unforeseen disasters. Rwanda is home to a dangerous lake containing toxic gases—Kib Lake, which straddles the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

If the carbon dioxide that has accumulated at the bottom of the lake were to explode and be released in large quantities, it is expected that people nearby could suffocate. Even when no explosion occurs, there have been numerous reports of fatalities due to excessive inhalation of carbon dioxide while playing in the water. Please exercise extreme caution.

Also, when planning a visit to Kib Lake, make sure to check the latest security updates for the Democratic Republic of the Congo rather than relying solely on information about Rwanda’s security.

◎Summary

Rwanda’s public safety is well maintained thanks to government-led measures, and the immaculate streets of Kigali will give you a strong sense of security. Therefore, to truly appreciate the grandeur of the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” be sure to consider visiting Rwanda.

However, do not forget that you are in a foreign land. Despite Rwanda’s stable domestic security, several neighboring countries have unstable security and political conditions. It is advisable to take minimal safety measures such as traveling only during daylight hours or having a local guide accompany you.

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[Rwanda Safety] Is the Capital Kigali a Clean and Safe City with Not a Single Piece of Trash?