I did not find any alerts or warnings for Rwanda.
The travel route your friend will take may make difference.
There are currently no daytime travel restrictions in place for official U.S. citizens within Rwanda, but please review the Embassy's latest
security messages for U.S. citizens in Rwanda.
In both 2012 and 2013, there was fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the M23, an armed group comprised mostly of soldiers who defected from the FARDC. While M23 was defeated militarily in November 2013, the FARDC and UN peacekeepers continued to engage in combat operations against other armed groups in the DRC state of North Kivu, which borders Rwanda. The U.S. Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens exercise extreme caution when traveling near the Rwanda-DRC border given the possibility of renewed fighting.
In late August 2013, cross-border fire landed within the borders of Rwanda in Rubavu district, including within the city of Gisenyi. The Government of Rwanda blamed these indicidents on the FARDC. In early December 2012, a small element of armed individuals crossed the border from Eastern DRC and attacked a ranger camp northwest of Kinigi. The attack, which occurred just south of Volcanoes National Park, left one ranger dead. The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) claimed responsibility for this incursion. The FDLR is an armed group that includes former soldiers and supporters of the regime that orchestrated the 1994 genocide and that continues to operate in eastern DRC, near the border with Rwanda.
Grenade attacks aimed at the local populace have occurred on a recurring basis over the last five years in Rwanda. Three attacks occurred in Kigali in 2013, killing five and injuring 42 persons. The Embassy urges you to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gathering.
An area of potential natural disaster concern is the Mount Nyiragongo volcano, just outside the eastern DRC town of Goma and near the Rwandan border. The volcano is active and last erupted on January 17, 2002 killing 47 people, destroying 15 percent of Goma and leaving 120,000 people homeless. Rwanda is also located in a seismically active region. In January 2008, an earthquake centered in eastern Congo killed 39 people and injured about 700, including residents of the Rwandan border town of Cyangugu. In November 2012, an earthquake centered in southern Uganda was felt as far south as Kigali.
The U.S. Embassy has been informed of several recent incidents involving aggressive animals in Akagera National Park. Approaching large animals, even when in a vehicle, can result in injury or death.
On occasion, travel by U.S. Embassy personnel may be restricted based on changing security conditions. For safety reasons, U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from driving outside Kigali city limits after dark (6:00 p.m.), and are not permitted to use motorcycle-taxis or mini-bus taxis. Visitors are encouraged to enroll in the
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so that they will receive the latest security information. Messages sent to the U.S. citizen community are also posted on the
U.S. Embassy website.
To stay connected:
CRIME: Pick-pocketing in crowded public places is common, as is petty theft from cars, hotel rooms, and other public places, including churches. Smart phones and other portable/mobile electronics are particularly targeted by thieves. Although violent crimes such as carjacking, robbery, rape, and home invasion occur in Rwanda, they are rarely committed against foreigners. The Embassy has noted an increase in reported residential burglary attempts throughout Kigali. Burglars may break and enter, attempt to trick domestic staff into allowing them unimpeded entrance, or seek to co-opt residential security guards to participate in burglaries. You are advised to remain alert, exercise caution, and follow appropriate personal security measures. U.S. citizens who reside in Rwanda should also ensure that their domestic staff understand these measures.
VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:
- Replace a stolen passport.
- Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
- Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
- Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
The Rwandan equivalent to a ?11 emergency telephone line can be reached by dialing 112. However, the embassy has received reports that emergency calls to this number may go unanswered. For non-emergency situations, you may contact local police by dialing 112, 113 for traffic accident, and 3511 for abuse by a police officer (including attempts at bribery).
