President Paul Kagame today called out local and senior government officials for the mismanagement of the  relocation of people living in high-risk zones. 

Addressing participants at the 17th Umushyikirano Council, Kagame used his State of the Nation address to hold accountable leaders who continue to issue construction permits for locals to construct homes and settle in wetlands.

Kagame wondered why leaders had failed to explain the reasons for the demolition of houses in wetlands. 

"I would like to criticise the leaders, because yes, these houses should be demolished because these people are living in a place they shouldn’t. I don’t understand why they don’t feel the need to explain their decision to the target people. These things have consequences on many people,” he said. 

Kagame pointed out that while those who live in wetlands illegally should not be compensated by the government, it was still the government’s responsibility to help them to resettle. 

Security is doing well

Kagame also pointed to the strength of the stability and security,  attributing it to combined efforts of the citizens and the country’s friends and development partners. 

The Head of State also reminded those in attendance that even though the country historically had security issues which as a result led to the loss of over one million lives during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis, there is need to draw lessons from it and move forward.

He touched on the issue of those who aim to destabilise the country, saying that they would be dealt with.

"We've urged all Rwandans wherever they are to return home and we have a conversation on whatever differences we may be having. Some have chosen a different path and they continue to be dealt with accordingly,” he said. 

This year’s Umushyikirano discussions will focus on issues surrounding the advancement of social development through strengthening community resilience, highlighting the participation and collaboration of all Rwandans for sustainable development. 

The participants will be joined by other citizens in and outside the country through social media messages and video conferencing from across the country.