In a decisive move to reinforce public safety and improve the regulation of non-lethal firearms, the Ministry of Interior has released new Ministerial Instructions governing the importation, possession, trade, and usage of non-lethal guns and their accessories across Rwanda.
Signed by the Minister of Interior, Vincent Biruta, in April 2025, these instructions mark a significant step in formalizing the handling of non-lethal weapons under a comprehensive legal framework.
The instructions are designed to control various activities related to non-lethal guns, including their import, storage, possession, export, transfer, borrowing, and usage.
They provide clear definitions of terms such as “non-lethal gun,” which is described as a weapon designed to incapacitate a target with minimal risk of death or permanent injury.
Accessories covered under the regulations include cartridges and their components such as primers, propellant powder, and projectiles.
Only the Minister in charge of Rwanda National Police and the Inspector General of Police are authorized to issue permits.
The Minister is responsible for authorizing the importation, exportation, trade, and transit of non-lethal guns and accessories, while the Inspector General of Police handles permits for possession, usage, transfer, or borrowing.
Applicants must submit a detailed request in writing, accompanied by a series of documents including a business registration certificate, proof of mental health, a police clearance, a tax certificate, and evidence of safe storage facilities.
The application process is expected to be completed within 30 days from the date of submission.
Permits issued under these instructions will specify key details such as the country of origin or destination, type and quantity of the equipment, validity period, and factory specifications.
Additionally, all permit holders are required to submit monthly reports to the Rwanda National Police, immediately report any incidents involving non-lethal weapons, and provide full details of imported or transferred items for record-keeping purposes.
A robust system of record-keeping and inventory has also been instituted. The Rwanda National Police will be responsible for maintaining comprehensive records, and obsolete or unserviceable items must be inventoried separately before being destroyed.
The costs of disposal are to be borne by the permit holder. Storage of non-lethal firearms must be secure, with separate provisions for accessories, and managed by trained personnel.
The new instructions also empower a joint team from the Ministry of Interior and the Rwanda National Police to conduct biannual and ad hoc inspections of storage facilities. This move is expected to enhance compliance and prevent misuse.
To ensure enforcement, the instructions outline conditions under which permits may be suspended or revoked.
Providing false information, non-compliance with regulatory requirements, or issues that raise national security concerns can result in immediate suspension.
A permit suspended twice may be permanently revoked, and all associated equipment confiscated.
Furthermore, administrative breaches may lead to penalties, with written notifications outlining the reason and duration of any suspension or revocation.
A transitional period of six months has been granted to individuals or entities currently in possession of non-lethal weapons to comply with the new regulations.
After this period, full compliance will be mandatory.
