Online child sexual abuse in Rwanda remains a growing concern as new data shows rising cases linked to digital tools. The Rwanda Investigation Bureau reports that offenders are using technology to target children and commit sexual crimes.
Rise in Technology-Driven Abuse
RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry said that between 2022 and 2025, the bureau received 87 cases of child defilement committed through the use of technology. It also recorded 18 cases of rape linked to online manipulation.
He explained that some offenders start by showing children sexual images or videos to influence their minds before abusing them.
Findings Shared During Awareness Campaign
Dr. Murangira presented the figures during a discussion held in Kigali at Mövenpick Hotel. The meeting formed part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
He said most technology-related sexual violence cases involve children. He added that offenders often use digital platforms to lure victims into unsafe situations.
Breakdown of Three-Year Statistics
According to Dr. Murangira, RIB recorded several types of technology-driven sexual violence in the last three years.
He said: “We received 87 cases of child defilement, representing 53.3 percent. Cases of spreading pornographic content through computers reached 26, equal to 15.9 percent. We received 21 cases of showing children sexual images or sounds, at 12.8 percent. Rape cases stood at 18, equal to 11.4 percent.”
He added that many suspects used computers or online platforms to share explicit content with children before committing abuse.
Growing Risk on Social Media
RIB also noted rising cases of people lured on social media by individuals pretending to look for partners. Some victims, especially girls, visited these offenders and were later raped or recorded naked for blackmail.
Dr. Murangira said more people are now engaging in online sexual acts. He warned that offenders often record victims and use the content to extort money.
Warning to Content Creators
He urged people who record sexual content to stop the practice. He said that even when the person who shared the material is punished, the original creator may still face long-term stigma.
He reminded the public that once such content circulates, it can damage someone’s reputation permanently.
UNDP Calls for Stronger Action
Dr. Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, UNDP Country Representative in Rwanda, said women and girls face the highest levels of online abuse worldwide. She noted that they represent more than 58 percent of victims.
She called on institutions and individuals to work together to stop all forms of online violence.
Rwanda Introduces New Reporting System
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Uwimana Consolée, said Rwanda is developing a digital platform called Humura. The system will make it easier for victims to report abuse and receive support.
She said the “Humura” app will link directly to Isange One Stop Center. This link will allow victims to send information without meeting another person face-to-face. She explained that this feature will help those who fear speaking out.
