Security

We're trying hard to avoid comparing Rwanda to Namibia, but invariably we end up doing so at every turn. Security in Rwanda appears to be less of a concern than it had been in Namibia. This is not to say that it is dismissed here, far from it. There are still the high walls and security guards at most gates, but those walls aren't topped with quite the amount of concertina wire that they were in Namibia. Nor does one see the electric wires atop the said walls also as in Namibia. Perhaps it's due to the fact that the apartheid system never had a foothold here. Most people can walk about the streets without fear of being accosted, robbed or mugged even at night we're told. But let's not kid ourselves, this is Africa after all and the "mzungu" (white guy) is still viewed as possessing vast quantities of wealth. Thus, our house has a 24 hour guard with one of the local security companies---KK. Ironically there are a few of the same security companies here as in Namibia and South Africa.

Our day guard is usually Laurent who speaks no English and a smattering of French. He is extremely friendly and helpful. This weekend, when we got caught up doing errands in town, Laurent took in my freshly laundered clothes from the line before they got spoiled by an afternoon thunderstorm.

Claude is typically our night guard. He speaks better French because he is older and no doubt spent more time under Belgian/French "colonial" rule. Yes, Rwanda's been independent since the 60's but colonial masters are hard to shake.

Both guards pull 12 hour shifts and no doubt get paid a pittance by their employer---but hey they have a job and the security industry no doubt makes up a large percentage of the Rwandan economy employing hundreds of unskilled Rwandans. Additionally, neither is armed with anything more powerful than a billy club and a panic button. Yes, the house is equipped with 2 hard wired panic buttons (pictured above) should something untoward arise and 2 remotes, one for the guards themselves. Not sure what really occurs if they're ever pushed, but I don't actually have the desire to find out either.

Reid says that security in these African countries is just an illusion. He's probably right. I just can't see our gentle Laurent who thinks about bringing in the wash as bieng able to repel anyone who has evil intentions. Let's hope we never have to find out.