Minor crimes dominate Rwandan courts, largely driven by youth, officials say

KIGALI - Nearly 70% of cases brought before Rwandan courts involve minor crimes, including theft, assault, and drug-related offenses, the Spokesperson for the Courts, Mutabazi Harrison, revealed on October 22, 2025, during the presentation of the Ministry of Justice’s crime prevention strategies for 2025/26.

“These include minor theft, assault and battery, and drug use. These are the most common crimes in the courts, usually starting in primary courts and then appealing to higher courts,” Mutabazi said, noting that young people are the primary offenders.

He added that while adults in their 40s and 50s are occasionally involved, the majority of cases involve those under 35. “These crimes constitute about 70% of the cases we handle,” he said, highlighting a growing trend in child abuse and technology-related offenses.

Dr. Sezirahiga Yves, Deputy Director for Academic Affairs and Research at the Institute of Legal Education and Development (ILPD), said research shows that vagrancy and unemployment are key drivers of minor crime. “Most youth committing these crimes are unemployed, have dropped out of school, and there is limited coordination between rehabilitation centers and local authorities,” he explained.

Dr. Sezirahiga noted that while rehabilitated individuals are given tools to support themselves professionally, some sell them to survive and later return to crime. Between 2019 and 2023, ILPD data indicates that 289,668 people were admitted to various rehabilitation centers, including temporary shelters, with over 20,000 successfully reintegrated in Iwawa, Gitagata, and Nyamagabe.

Minister of Justice Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja emphasized the importance of early intervention, pointing out that many youth begin offending as children. “The government is working to ensure all children receive education, especially during formative years, which helps prevent crime later in life,” he said.

Officials stressed that tackling vagrancy, improving youth employment, and strengthening rehabilitation programs are critical to reducing minor crimes and fostering safer communities across Rwanda.