In 2005 the Presiding Judge of the Provincial Court in Ruhengeri, Rwanda ruled that Witnesses should not be imprisoned for refusing to bear arms in civil defense 'night patrols' since they were willing to participate and had participated in other forms of community service.
The first move, on 23 January 1991, was a surprise attack on the northern town of Ruhengeri.
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This made defending the last two northern towns of Ruhengeri and Gisenyi almost impossible.
Western Province comprises the former provinces of Cyangugu, Gisenyi, Kibuye, and a small portion of Ruhengeri.