Rwanda’s Senate has urged the government to find a lasting solution to human-wildlife conflicts by removing stray animals from communities and reviewing laws governing compensation for people affected by wildlife-related damages.
The call comes amid growing concerns from residents living near national parks and other protected areas who say they continue to suffer losses caused by wild animals while facing challenges in accessing compensation.
Animals such as monkeys, baboons and hippos are among those frequently reported to damage crops and threaten livelihoods. In some cases, wildlife that escapes from protected areas has attacked livestock, causing financial losses for nearby communities.
While approving a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Unity and Security on measures to prevent wildlife from leaving protected areas and harming people or their property, the Senate noted that cases of wildlife-related destruction have increased by 29.4%.
The Senate also observed that compensation claims continue to rise, while some victims receive payments that do not correspond to the value of their losses.
Senator Alfred Gasana said delays in assessing damages by the Special Guarantee Fund sometimes prevent affected residents from receiving compensation.
“There are cases where a person whose crops have been destroyed by wildlife is not compensated because the Special Guarantee Fund delays visiting the affected area. It is supposed to respond within seven days, but delays can lead to the loss of evidence, leaving the victim at a disadvantage,” he said.
Senator Evode Uwizeyimana cited cases in Kayonza District where hippos had killed six people, adding that some victims of wildlife attacks later died from their injuries.
Senator Murangwa Ndangiza Hadija said authorities should prioritize removing dangerous wildlife from communities and develop practical measures to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
“Animals should be taken away from communities. Relevant institutions need to find effective solutions to reduce the presence of wildlife among people,” she said.
Following the approval of the report, the Senate recommended that the government revise the Prime Minister’s Order regulating compensation rates, assessment procedures and requirements for victims of wildlife-related incidents.
The revised framework should also provide clear guidelines for calculating compensation for destroyed crops and livestock injured or killed by wild animals.
The Senate further called for an update of the list of wildlife species covered under compensation laws to include animals currently excluded from the compensation scheme.
It also urged the government to accelerate efforts to return wildlife found in communities to national parks and protected areas.
The Senate said the long-term solution should focus on preventing wildlife from living among people rather than relying mainly on compensation after damage has already occurred.
