Rwanda President Kagame defends crackdown on illicit alcohol manufacturers
Rwanda’s government is intensifying enforcement against unsafe alcoholic beverages, with factories closed, licences revoked and officials investigated over alleged regulatory violations.
RWANDA – Rwanda President Paul Kagame has defended the government’s ongoing crackdown on manufacturers of illicit and substandard alcoholic beverages, saying the protection of human life must remain the priority.
Speaking during a press conference in Kigali, Kagame said concerns over how factories were being closed should be addressed through the institutions responsible for enforcement rather than distracting from the need to protect consumers.
“If there are questions about how something is being done, there are institutions responsible for that. But the first responsibility is to protect people’s lives,” Kagame said.
His comments come as Rwanda intensifies a nationwide campaign targeting manufacturers, distributors and sellers of alcoholic beverages that authorities say fail to meet required health and safety standards.
The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has revoked licences and closed dozens of factories following inspections and compliance assessments. The regulator has also ordered affected alcoholic products to be withdrawn from the market.
The enforcement campaign has expanded into a wider investigation involving private-sector operators and public officials suspected of facilitating the production or distribution of unsafe alcoholic beverages.
On August 13, the Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) presented 17 public officials suspected of involvement in the illicit alcohol trade.
The group included 10 Rwanda FDA employees, three Rwanda Standards Board officials and local government officials.
Among those implicated was Rwanda FDA Director General Prof. Emile Bienvenu, alongside other officials from the regulator. Investigators allege that some officials improperly issued or facilitated certifications for products and factories that did not meet required standards.
Rwanda FDA, whose mandate includes protecting public health through regulation of processed foods and other products, has continued publishing regulatory notices and lists of revoked premises licences as enforcement operations intensify.
The government has said the campaign is being driven by concerns over the consequences of unsafe alcoholic beverages. Authorities have reported cases involving deaths, serious health complications and social problems linked to the consumption of substandard drinks.
Kagame’s remarks come as authorities continue inspections and investigations across the country, with enforcement measures extending beyond manufacturers to distributors, sellers and officials accused of enabling violations.
The government has maintained that action against non-compliant alcoholic beverage producers is intended to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers and to strengthen compliance with health and safety requirements.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
