Economic and Social Development – 1995

Written by

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.

Economic and Social Development – 1993

Written by

The broad based Commission for the Repatriation composed of Government, UNHCR, OAU and Refugee representatives was not set up. As the result, the basic socioeconomic infrastructures such as schools, health centers, water, access roads which were said to be established by the commission did not materialized. The restoration of socio-economic services as reinstalling administration did not take place.

Citizenship Reform – 2002

Written by

Parliament included dual citizenship provision in the draft constitution. “A first draft constitution was published in November 2002, followed by new versions in December 2002 and February 2003.”8.

The new constitution was approved by referendum on 26 May 2003. Article 7 of the 2003 constitution provided that:

Every person has a right to nationality. Dual nationality is permitted. No person may be deprived of Rwandan nationality of origin. No person shall be arbitrarily deprived of his or her nationality or of the right to change nationality. Rwandans or their descendants who were deprived of their nationality between 1st November 1959 and 31 December 1994 by reason of acquisition of foreign nationalities automatically reacquire Rwandan nationality if they return to settle in Rwanda. All persons originating from Rwanda and their descendants shall, upon their request, be entitled to Rwandan nationality. The conditions of acquisition, retention, enjoyment and deprivation of Rwandan nationality are determined by an organic law.