Authorities in Rutsiro District have confirmed that the Rwanda national flag which recently disappeared from the offices of Muyira Cell in Manihira Sector has been recovered after being found abandoned in a forest near the Rutsiro river.
The flag had gone missing on May 23, 2026, triggering concern among local leaders and residents due to the symbolic importance attached to the national emblem.
Its recovery was confirmed on the morning of Wednesday, May 27, 2026, after residents discovered it spread out in a visible area within the forest and immediately informed local authorities.
According to information gathered, the residents who first spotted the flag had gone early to the sector offices to register children in civil registration services before noticing the abandoned flag nearby.
The Executive Secretary of Manihira Sector, Ukwishaka Titien, said local residents played a major role in locating the flag and cooperating with authorities throughout the search.
He stated: “The missing flag was found this morning by residents. When we arrived, we found it placed in an open area in the forest near the river so that anyone could easily notice it. We held discussions with residents and agreed on measures to strengthen security in order to prevent such incidents from happening again.”
He also praised residents for rejecting what he described as an act of cowardice and for actively participating in the search efforts.
“Residents showed that they do not support such a cowardly act. They put significant effort into searching for the flag, and we also encouraged them to intensify community patrols,” he added.
Following the incident, nine residents were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the disappearance of the flag. They are currently being held at Rusebeya Police Station while investigations continue.
The disappearance or desecration of a national flag is considered a serious offense in Rwanda because of the flag’s significance as a symbol of national unity, sovereignty, and patriotism.
Residents in Manihira Sector said the incident deeply shocked the community, although many expressed relief after the flag was eventually recovered.
Local authorities have since urged citizens to continue cooperating with security agencies, provide timely information, and strengthen neighborhood patrols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
