By Patrice Katuma
KIGALI, RWANDA – Three high-ranking officials from the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) have been arrested along with four contractors, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) announced on Saturday, April 26th. The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption, abuse of power for personal gain, and money laundering.
The arrested RMB officials include Augustin Rwomushana, the Mineral Market and Strategy Division Manager; John Kanyangira, the Mineral Traceability Division Manager; and Richard Niyongabo, the Mining Cadaster and Digital Information Division Manager.
RIB alleges that the four contractors were complicit in the officials’ illicit activities. All seven suspects are currently in custody at RIB stations in Rwezamenyo and Nyarugenge.
In a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account, RIB strongly condemned corruption and the abuse of authority, reminding the public that such acts are punishable by law. The bureau emphasized the severity of corruption, highlighting that it is an imprescriptible crime, meaning it has no statute of limitations.
“The public is urged to report any evidence of corruption, regardless of when it occurred, to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” the RIB statement read.
This arrest comes on the heels of a similar incident in Nyagatare, where six officials were recently detained on corruption charges, highlighting the Rwandan government’s commitment to tackling corruption at all levels. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as the inquiry progresses.
Meanwhile, President Paul Kagame has termed corruption, graph and theft of public funds a non-negotiable act and crimes in the country.
