RUYIGI, April 24th (ABP) – The administrator of Kinyinya commune Fulgence Kwizera, and the local official for family and social development, Divine Kamuco, have called on young girls of the commune to avoid any form of intimacy with men who lure them into early sexual relationships that could jeopardize their future. They are urging the youth to set sustainable development goals for themselves.
This appeal comes at a time when nearly a dozen young girls have been identified as victims of sexual and gender-based violence since the second fortnight of March. These incidents are reoccurring after nearly five years of relative calm.
According to Kamuco, the phenomenon of sexual violence has re-emerged since mid-March and is showing worrying trends that should raise alarm.
She pointed out that the most affected areas are the Kinyinya zone, particularly the villages of Mayanza, Vumwe, and Nyamunazi along the Burundi-Tanzania border, and the Nyamigina village in the Kabanga zone. This resurgence is believed to be linked to the increase in small roadside markets connecting various trading centers in the commune. Vendors and buyers gather from 5 p.m., and the markets can last until 8 p.m. Young girls are being targeted by individuals who lurk in these areas and pretend to be suitors.
Asked about the situation, the Kinyinya administrator acknowledges this unfortunate reality. He expressed surprise that behaviors related to sexual promiscuity and sexual violence tend to peak during the dry season. During this time, farmers benefit from high yields, giving them the means to buy alcohol, which they consume heavily, often leading to misconduct.
Addressing all men unable to control their sexual urges, the administrator stressed that such individuals cannot be allowed to continue disturbing public order and that their rightful place is behind the bars. He also reminded young girls to be cautious and avoid trusting men they don’t truly know especially those they meet at night.