The affected section of Nyungwe National Park is located in Muganza Sector, Nyaruguru District.
The findings were announced by Nyaruguru District Mayor Dr. Emmanuel Murwanashyaka on the evening of September 4, 2026, following a fire that had burned in the park for more than a week.
The fire was eventually extinguished through joint efforts involving local residents and security organs, including the Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Defence Force, as well as staff from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Speaking to IGIHE, Mayor Murwanashyaka said preliminary investigations had established that the fire was started by a resident who had entered the park illegally to harvest honey.
The suspect is currently being investigated, although the mayor declined to disclose his identity, saying the case was still under investigation.
“It is still under investigation,” Mayor Murwanashyaka said.
The mayor urged residents to comply with the law and avoid activities that could put protected areas at risk.
He also called on the public to take precautions against fires in general, warning that wildfires can cause significant damage to the environment and other resources.
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