The gesture was in appreciation of their outstanding achievements last year when the village leaders around Nyungwe Forest played a critical role in quelling attacks by armed groups attempting to destabilize Rwanda.

In the recent past, armed groups from neighboring countries bordering the forest made several attempts to kill innocent lives and destroy their properties. However, security forces in collaboration with local leaders and local communities defeated them.

On Thursday, July 2, RDF officers handed over the bicycles to the village leaders in Nyaruguru, Karongi, Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts, thanking them for their contribution to the security of their communities.

Nyacyondo Village leader in Ruheru Sector, Nubahimana Emmanuel, said the bicycles they were given is a motivation, and they will continue their close collaboration with security organs to protect the country.

On the outskirts of Nyungwe Forest, attacks have been carried out by militants in recent years, with the Rwandan army fight them and retreating to Burundi.

On the night of July 1, 2018, at around 23:30, armed insurgents attacked Nyaruguru District, Nyabimata Sector, stole items from the community, including animals and food, and shot in air to scare away residents from pursuing them.

Apart from that, a series of sporadic attacks by armed groups in Nyaruguru District, in Nyabimata sector that targeted civilians and their properties were also thwarted.
A similar incident occurred last week on June 27, when unidentified armed men attacked, intending to harm the residents of the Yanza Model Village, just one kilometer away from the Burundi border.

Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wrote to Burundi, "requesting an explanation for the attack on unidentified armed men from Burundi, and urging the Burundi government to take all possible measures to ensure those involved in the crimes and fled to Burundi, to immediately taken to justice, or sent to Rwanda to be held accountable. "
Burundi has not responded.

President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of RDF has donated 589 bicycles to village leaders in 18 sectors around Nyungwe Forest

This was a gesture of thanking them for their continued role in maintaining security.