President Paul Kagame has defended Rwanda’s sweeping crackdown on substandard alcoholic beverages, saying the government will not tolerate businesses or individuals whose activities put the lives of Rwandans at risk.
Speaking during a press conference on August 24, Kagame said authorities must prioritise public health over the interests of manufacturers and workers whose businesses have been affected by the crackdown.
More than 150 facilities producing substandard alcoholic beverages have been closed, while 52 types of imported alcoholic drinks have also been suspended, according to the report.
Kagame questioned why the debate should focus on the economic losses faced by affected businesses rather than the harm unsafe products can cause to consumers.
“Before we look at the problems of factory owners, we should first answer the question of people,” he said.
The President said some unsafe alcoholic beverages are also imported, warning that the health consequences can range from immediate illness to longer-term harm.
He also addressed investigations involving officials responsible for quality control, saying those institutions have a responsibility to ensure that products placed on the market do not endanger consumers.
Kagame said authorities would continue pursuing anyone involved in producing, distributing or facilitating the sale of unsafe products.
“As President of the country, I look after the interests of this country and Rwandans,” he said, adding that anyone who chooses to violate regulations would face the institutions responsible for enforcing the law.
The government’s crackdown has intensified in recent weeks, with authorities also investigating suspected failures within regulatory institutions. The wider operation has raised questions about both the responsibility of businesses and the effectiveness of the systems meant to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers.
