Assessment of the Rwandan Government's efforts to fight against terrorism

Abstract

This study investigates the efforts taken by the Rwandan Government to fight against Terrorism and it analyzes the additional measures from grass roots up to national security organs‟ level and vice versa that can help to mitigate terrorism. This study adopted a qualitative research design to understand different perceptions from 78 respondents based in the Rwanda National Police, the Rwanda Defense Force, the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of local Government. The efficacy theory of terrorism was applied to understand the meaning behind the collected data. The study finds that acts of terrorism have impacted on the general life of the country. Findings showed that there is need to increasing communication at the local level to ensure that measures are well understood and followed by the community. In doing so, it helps filling the gaps between community and security forces in terms of information sharing that in turn will provide ground to mitigate terrorism in Rwanda. The findings also reveal that acts of terrorism in Rwanda could be understood as both a criminal act and as a political strategy meant to threaten the security of the state. This study will provide information on current situation on terrorism in Rwanda. Empirically, this study contributes evidence from the security personnel, as well as from other institutions in charge of security