Rwanda: Local government elections set to begin 24 October; regional security coordination continues

KIGALI, Oct 20 –Rwanda’s local government elections are scheduled to start on 24 October with village-level voting for executive committees and related councils, progressing through cell, sector and district levels into November, according to the National Electoral Commission calendar and coverage by outlets such as The New Times (@NewTimesRwanda). Eligibility criteria, observer accreditation and volunteer preparations have been outlined in official communications, including from the Ministry of Local Government (@RwandaLocalGov).

Separately, a Rwandan defence delegation led by Minister Juvenal Marizamunda participated in International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and Contact and Coordination Group meetings in Lusaka, Zambia, where draft standard operating procedures for the disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation and reintegration of foreign combatants were reviewed, as posted by the Ministry of Defence (@RwandaMoD). Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has also engaged regional counterparts on Great Lakes security cooperation. Earlier in the month, a staff-level agreement with the IMF opened the way for potential access to approximately $35.7 million under an Extended Credit Facility arrangement following target achievement.

Pic: Rwandan Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda (on the left)