A wave of fear and displacement has swept through Ruhita village in Musha Sector, where some residents have fled their homes following violent clashes with local authorities attempting to enforce forced evictions.

The District Master Plan shows the area is not zoned for residential use. But for many residents—who say they’ve lived there for generations—the evictions came without warning, without compensation, and without any clear relocation plan.

The situation reached a boiling point on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, when sector authorities arrived in Ruhita, accompanied by police officers, to demolish houses. What followed was chaos.

According to eyewitnesses, some residents armed themselves with stones, machetes, and other tools to fend off the operation. Several officials reportedly fled the scene, and in the aftermath, more than 21 residents were allegedly detained.

Though Musha Sector Executive Secretary, Jean Claude Rwagasana, denies any arrests related to resistance, he did confirm that a comprehensive resettlement plan is in place for the entire Ruhita and neighboring Rugarama villages.

“We are not aware of any Musha resident who would violently confront authorities with hoes or pickaxes,” Rwagasana said. “But if there are allegations, I need case-by-case details to confirm the reasons for their arrest.”

Yet on the ground, fear tells a different story

“We were born here. This is our ancestral land,” one resident said before disappearing into hiding. “They say a rich man bought this land, and now they’re kicking us out with no explanation and no compensation. We’ve received no notice, not even in our community meetings.”

Another displaced resident accused the sector leadership of looting their property. “They tore down my house and took my roofing sheets and household belongings,” she said.

Even local leaders haven’t been spared. Ruhita’s village chief and the community security officer are said to be among those who fled after tensions escalated. Residents claim that the entire community is facing eviction under the harsh terms.

Meanwhile, the Nyakabanda Cell Executive Secretary has spent over three months in custody after allegedly minimizing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The charge, according to sources, stems from comments he made during the Genocide Memorial Week, where he reportedly told residents, “Because the President starts speaking in English, let’s go home.”

Rwagasana, the sector executive secretary, insists the government is acting within planning laws. He confirmed that the land in question has never been designated for housing and that residents must relocate to legal residential sites if they wish to rebuild.

Demolished house in Ruhita Vilage