The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has detained Emile Bienvenu, the Director-General of the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), amid a sweeping investigation into illicit alcoholic beverages.
Bienvenu is one of 18 individuals arrested, including officials from the Rwanda FDA, the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), and local government leaders. The arrests form part of a nationwide effort to curb the production and distribution of unlicensed alcoholic drinks.
Details of the Investigation
- Bienvenu faces allegations of issuing documents without adhering to decisions from the relevant technical committee.
- RSB officials are under scrutiny for allegedly granting Standardisation Mark certificates illegally.
- Authorities have pledged to continue probing to identify and hold all those involved accountable.
Impact on Public Safety
Rwanda National Police spokesperson Boniface Rutikanga reported a significant drop in cases of fighting and assault, from 345 incidents between July 15 and 31 to 188 between August 1 and 12. This reduction is attributed to the crackdown on illicit alcohol and related substances.
