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Economic and Social Development – 1995

For the settlement of the refugees, the broad based Commission for Repatriation composed of Government, UNHCR, OAU and Refugee representatives was not set up. However, the Rwandan government signed tripartite agreements with UNHCR and the Governments of Burundi and Zaire on the voluntary repatriation of refugees. These agreements define the conditions for repatriation, including returnee protection and land tenure.¹ On 18 July 1995, an agreement was signed to establish the tripartite commission of reparation of Rwandese Refugees from Tanzania between Tanzanian government, Rwandan government and the UNHCR representative. The agreement had provisions for four delegation representing Rwanda, Tanzania, UNHCR and the Organization of the African Unity.² The rehabilitation and social integration ministry was committed for providing security and protection to returnees.³ Since the civil administration was reestablished. Nevertheless, the report highlights the challenges related to lack of resources to run an effective administration.⁴

Some progress was made to achieve economic goals as provided in the Arusha accord. In this regard, the Rwandan government had set up a commission to start reviving the People’s Bank. The bank had been initially was set up in 1975 and it had branches in 131 of Rwanda’s 154 communes by early 1994. The infrastructure was destroyed by the conflict in 1994. The revival of the bank was a key to starting recovery of farming and rural economic activities.⁵

There was sign of economic recovery in the export sector as well. It was reported that farmers in tea growing districts were reviving their plantations, traditionally a hard currency earner, and foreign aid had supported initiatives to repair war-damaged factories.⁶ Financial supports provided by the European Union ($24.3 Million) had been distributed to rehabilitate buildings, plantations, technical training of staffs, and improving transport.⁷ In a sense, the economic recovery was underway.

1. “UN Secretary General’s Report to the Security Council,” United Nations (S/1995/65), January 25, 1995.
2. “Tripartite Commission of Repatriation of Rwandese Refugees From Tanzania,” UNHCR, 1995, accessed September 22, 2011, http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/type,MULTILATERALTREATY,,RWA,3ee71f004,0.html.
3. “Rwanda UNHCR to Set Up Refugee Repatriation,” Africa News, September 26, 1995.
4. “UN Secretary General’s Report to the Security Council,” United Nations (S/1995/107), February 6, 1995.
5. “Rwanda-Economy: Infusing New Blood in the People’s Banks,” IPS-Inter Press Service, October 26, 1995.
6. Rwanda-Economy: Brewing Tea Recovery,” IPS-Inter Press Service, November 29, 1995.
7. Ibid.