For failing to preserve Rwanda’s unity, nine officials from three districts of the Northern Province and one senior official from the province have been demoted from their jobs.
The inauguration of the Chief of the Abakono clan—Kwimika umutware w’abakono—was the theme of a meeting on July 9 in Kinigi, Musanze district of the Northern Province, among other things.
Despite Rwanda’s resolve to live in harmony, the case came with a foul taste, and the community felt that the event was not worthwhile since “it has tendencies of division”.
On July 18, the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF Inkotanyi) issued a statement urging its members to defend national unity and stay away from situations like this that could plunge the nation back into conflict and lead to adverse effects.
Justin Kazoza, who served as the host of the RPF’s consultative meeting on national unity on July 23 in his capacity as the so-called Umutware w’abakono, apologized for bringing people together for a gathering that was unnecessary.
In a similar vein, several authorities who had accepted Kazoza’s invitation also expressed regret; however, the Abakono event is not the only situation to which the officials must respond.
The Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, stated in an interview with Radio Rwanda this morning that in the Northern province where he personally hails from nepotism, regionalism, which is even evident in small groups that battle for their own interests, are issues where I personally come from.
“We know cases where people choose to elect a chief who would act as their leader, rather than go seek justice or have local authorities address their grievances,” Musabyimana added.
In a like situation, some organizations choose a responsible individual to manage the community’s irondo patrol and collect the health insurance contributions.
It was not over for the officials who didn’t perform a discernment, according to a statement released by the prime minister’s office yesterday.
According to the communiqué, a number of officials were fired for failing to promote national unity, which is the foundation of the government.
Geoffrey Mushaija, the executive secretary of the Northern Province, is on the list. After being removed, Nzabonimpa Emmanuel took over in an acting capacity.
Four officials were fired in the Musanze district, where the Abakono conference was held, including Ramuli Janvier, the district mayor, who was replaced by Bizimana Hamiss.
Both Innocent Twagirimana and Axelle Kamanzi, the vice mayor in charge of social affairs and the executive secretary of the Kinigi sector where the event was held, were fired.
Musabyimana François, in charge of Finance and Administration, likewise did as instructed by his superiors.
On July 24 in Musanze, Andrew Rucyahana Mpuhwe, the vice mayor in charge of economic affairs, resigned due to the same Abakono conference.
Four other officials, including the district mayor Jean Marie Vianney Nzeyimana, were fired in the Gakenke district as well. He was replaced by Aimé François Niyonsenga.
The district mayor of Burera, Uwanyirigira Marie Chantal, was also fired.
