Residents of Gishoma and Nzahaha sectors in Rusizi District say they were deceived into renting government-owned land and now fear possible eviction.
The land in question is the Gishoma swamp, parts of which are used for agriculture after peat extraction activities.
According to residents, a fraudster created a fake association, claiming it was established to support teenage mothers by allocating them farmland in the swamp. The land was allegedly handed over to this fake association through the swamp’s local manager.
One young resident recalled: “They told us it was an association for young mothers who had nowhere to work. Since we also needed opportunities, we decided to join so we could improve our lives.”
However, instead of benefiting young mothers, the land was later rented out to residents, who paid between Rwf 65,000 and Rwf 520,000 depending on plot size.
A resident explained: “I heard they were giving out farmland, so I contacted an old man called Mandevu. He told me the fee was Rwf 65,000. I took two plots and paid Rwf 130,000. But he said Rwf 120,000 was for the landowner and Rwf 10,000 was for him to buy drinks.”
When local leaders visited the swamp, they informed farmers that the land belongs to the government, cannot be sold, and may be reclaimed at any time if a project arises.
Currently, residents are demanding their money back and want those who deceived them to be held accountable.
Beyond these farmers, more than 50 other victims have already been identified, collectively losing over Rwf 5 million to the fraudster. The Rwimbogo Sector continues to receive new complaints, suggesting the number of victims may increase.
Joas Nzayishima, Executive Secretary of Rwimbogo Sector, told RBA that local authorities were equally surprised to learn that residents had been misled into renting government land.
He said: “We first learned of this during a community meeting when a resident mentioned buying land in the swamp. Our investigations revealed that a fraudster had impersonated government authorities. We are still following up on the matter.”
Officials have since reassured residents that they will not be evicted in a manner that violates the law.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
