Kigali, Rwanda

By: Larry Greenlee

Senior Analyst
For: Alarm
04/28/2015

Table of Contents
General Information

Government
Terrain
Climate
Language
Population
Regions
Culture

2
2
3
3
3
3
4

Weather Forecast

Threats and Vulnerabilities

Threats
Natural
Criminal
Healthcare
Transportation
Political

6
6
6
6
7
7

Vulnerabilities
Health
Training
Experience
Electronic Communications

8
8
8
8
8

Recent Significant Events

Etiquette

Emergency Contacts

14

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General Information
Country Name: Rwanda
Government: Republic; presidential, multiparty system.
Rwanda has a mixed legal system of civil law, based on
German and Belgian models, and customary law; judicial
review of legislative acts take place in the Supreme Court.
The President of Rwanda is the head of state, and has
broad powers including creating policy in conjunction with
the Cabinet, exercising the prerogative of mercy,
commanding the armed forces, negotiating and ratifying treaties, signing presidential
orders, and declaring war or a state of emergency. The President is elected by popular
vote every seven years, and appoints the Prime Minister and all other members of
Cabinet. The incumbent President is Paul Kagame, who took office upon the resignation
of his predecessor, Pasteur Bizimungu, in 2000. Kagame has subsequently won
elections in 2003 and 2010.
Kigali is a province-level city governed by a city council who appoints an executive
committee to run the day-to-day operations of the city. The executive committee
consists of a mayor and two deputies. The city is split into three administrative districts:
Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge.
Terrain: Rwanda is located in Central/Eastern Africa, and is bordered by the
Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the
east, and Burundi to the south. Rwanda lays a few degrees south of the equator and is
landlocked. The capital, Kigali, is located near the centre of Rwanda. Rwanda is mostly
grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east.
The country's longest river is the Nyabarongo, which rises in the south-west, flows
north, east, and southeast before merging with the Ruvubu to form the Kagera; the
Kagera then flows due north along the eastern border with Tanzania. The NyabarongoKagera eventually drains into Lake Victoria.
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Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda. It is situated near the geographic centre
of the nation. The city is built in hilly country, sprawling across about four ridges and the
valleys in between. The city centre is located on one of these ridges, with the main
government area on another. The tops of the ridges have an average elevation of
1,600 metres (5,250 ft), while the valleys are around 1,300 m (4,270 ft). The bigger
houses and office buildings tend to be on the tops of the ridges, while the poorer people
live in the valleys. The city is ringed most of the way round by higher hills, with some
suburban sprawl rising up these. The highest of these is Mt. Kigali, with an elevation of
1,850 m (6,075 ft) above sea level.
Climate: Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate, with lower temperatures
than are typical for equatorial countries due to its high elevation. Kigali, in the centre of
the country, has a typical daily temperature range between 12 C (54 F) and 27 C (81
F), with little variation through the year. There are some temperature variations across
the country; the mountainous west and north are generally cooler than the lower-lying
east.
Kigali is considered to be in a tropical savanna climate typically with a pronounced dry
season.
Language: Kinyarwanda, French, and English are the official languages of Rwanda.
Since the 1994 genocide, the complications of relations with the current French
government, the return of numerous Tutsi refugees who went to Uganda (Anglophone),
and also the intervention of the United States, English has been used by more of the
population and administration. In 2008 the government changed the medium of
education from French to English.
Population: Rwanda's population density, even after the 1994 genocide, is among the
highest in Sub-Saharan Africa at 230 inhabitants per square kilometer (600/sq mi). This
country has few villages, and nearly every family lives in a self-contained compound on
a hillside. The urban concentrations are grouped around administrative centers. Over
half of the adult population is literate, but no more than 5% have received secondary
education. The indigenous population consists of three ethnic groups. The Hutus, who
comprise the majority of the population (85%), are farmers of Bantu origin. The Tutsis
(14% before the Genocide, probably less than 10% now) are a pastoral people who
arrived in the area in the 15th century. Until 1959, they formed the dominant caste
under a feudal system based on cattle holding. The Twa (pygmies) (1%) are thought to
be the remnants of the earliest settlers of the region.
The population of Kigali is estimated to be more than 1.1 million people.
Religions: The most recent statistics on religion in Rwanda were published by the US
Government in 2013, yet the source information dates back to the national Census of
2002, which reports that: 56.9% of the Rwanda's population is Roman Catholic, 26% is
Protestant, 11.1% is Seventh-day Adventist, 4.6% is Muslim (mainly Sunni), 1.7%
claims no religious affiliation, and 0.1% practices traditional indigenous beliefs.
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The figures for Protestants does not include the growing number of members of
Jehovah's Witnesses (20,509 in 2011) who are strictly neutral to all social and political
conflicts of any country they live in. There is also a small population of Baha'is. There
has been a proliferation of small, usually Christian-linked schismatic religious groups
since the 1994 genocide, as well as substantial conversion to Islam.
Culture: Historically, Rwanda's three ethnic groups have been identified with distinct
aspects of the economy: the Tutsi with cattle, the Hutu with the land, and Twa with the
forests. Each group had distinct roles in public rituals, and each group had a distinctive
mode of dress. The monarchy served as an important unifying symbol, representing the
interest of all three ethnic groups. Hutu and Tutsi were also linked together throughout
much of the territory in a system of cattle vassalage, in which Tutsi patrons provided
cattle to Hutu clients. During the colonial period, however, the monarchy lost much of its
legitimacy as it became increasingly identified with the Tutsi minority, and the system of
cattle vassalage became viewed as a system of exploitation of Hutu by Tutsi. The cattle
vassalage system was abolished in the 1950s and Hutu politicians deposed the king in
1961. After independence in 1962, the all-Hutu government sought to portray Rwanda
as a Hutu country, emphasizing agrarian cultural symbols. Christianity became an
important source of national symbols, with almost all national leaders openly identifying
as Christians, the large majority as Catholic. Since the Tutsi retook power in 1994,
historic symbols such as cattle have been revived, and a strong political faction has
called for the reinstallation of the monarchy as a means of reunifying the country's
ethnic groups.

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Weather Forecast

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Threats and Vulnerabilities

Threats

Natural- An area of slight concern for a natural disaster is the Mount Nyiragongo

volcano, just outside the eastern DRC town of Goma and near the Rwandan border.
Mount Nyiragongo last erupted on January 17, 2002 killing 47 people, destroying 15
percent of Goma, and leaving 120,000 people homeless.
Rwanda is also located in a seismically active region. In January 2008, an
earthquake centered in eastern Congo killed 39 people and injured about 700,
including residents of the Rwandan border town of Cyangugu.
Remember the risks involved when traveling through the habitats of wild animals.
Approaching large animals, even when in a vehicle, can result in injury or death.

Criminal- Pick-pocketing in crowded public places is common, as is petty theft from

cars, hotel rooms, and other public places, including churches. Smart phones and
other portable/mobile electronics are particularly targeted by thieves. Violent crimes
such as carjacking, robbery, rape, and home invasion are rarely committed against
foreigners but residential burglaries throughout Kigali have increased. Burglars may
break and enter, attempt to trick domestic staff into allowing them unimpeded
entrance, or seek to co-opt residential security guards to participate in burglaries.
Remain alert, exercise caution, and follow appropriate personal security measures.
U.S. citizens who reside in Rwanda should also ensure their domestic staff
understands these measures.

Healthcare- Medical and dental facilities are limited, and some medicines are in
short supply or unavailable. There are some Western-trained physicians but many
are locally trained, where the standard of medical education is not on par with the
United States. There are very few emergency municipal response services.
Ambulances are available in Kigali through the Service d'Aide mdicale d'Urgence
(Emergency Medical Service, SAMU) by calling 912 from any mobile phone, or
through King Faisal Hospital at 078-830-9003. Ambulance service is basic and
works solely as transportation, usually with no medical treatment involved.
Ambulance companies expect payment either up front or upon delivery. They charge
an initial 5,000 Rwandan Francs (RWF), and then an additional amount per
kilometer traveled. Ambulances are extremely scarce outside of Kigali.
Mosquito borne illnesses such as malaria and yellow fever are a major problem
throughout the country. Prevention of bites and proper immunizations are important
for all areas. Be up-to-date on all childhood vaccinations. Rabies is common in
Rwanda; all animal bites, scratches, and licks should be immediately washed with
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soap and water and evaluated to determine if further rabies immunization is

warranted. Schistosomiasis, is a disease caused by a parasitic worm. Avoid wading,
swimming, bathing, or washing in, or drinking from bodies of fresh water including
Lake Kivu. Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasingly serious health concern in Rwanda.

Transportation- The main roads in Rwanda are in relatively good condition, but
during the rainy season many side roads are passable only with four-wheel drive
vehicles. Service stations are available along main roads. Due to possible language
barriers and lack of roadside assistance, receiving help may be difficult.
It is recommended to use only official Kigali city buses, most of which are owned and
operated by Kigali Bus Service, and established taxi or car services. It is
recommended to not use motorcycle-taxis as they are unsafe. Public transportation
can be dangerous due to overloading, inadequate maintenance, and careless
drivers. Regulated sedan auto taxis (which have a colored stripe along the doors)
are safer, but fares should be negotiated before passengers embark. Car services
tend to operate newer luxury vehicles.
Motorcycle taxis (motos) are the most popular and fastest way to get around Kigali
for locals. The fare for the motorcycle ranges from 200 RFr-1000 RFr depending on
distance, but most of the motocyclists will ask for RFr 200-500. A trip to or from the
airport should be around 1500-2000 RFr.
Matatus (minibuses) provide major routes throughout the city and are the cheapest
way to get around. The Minibus in Rwanda is one of the best forms of transport in
East Africa. Most of the buses are still new and are maintained well.
There are many taxis in Kigali, and in comparison with motos are expensive. A short
1km trip will cost Rwf 2,000 after haggling, going up to Rwf 10,000 for an airport run.
Taxis are mainly of two types in Kigali - those operated by individuals (usually with
some form of yellow stripe on the vehicle) and more professorially run services
operated by a single large operator. The Kigali Airport Taxis and Kigali Taxi Service
are the two major groups, there are others companies also running taxis , but these
are the largest and both operate a number you can call to summon a taxis. 3122 for
Kigali Taxis service and 476586 for Kigali Airport Taxi service.

Political- Grenade attacks aimed at the local populace in Rwanda have occurred on
a recurring basis over the last five years. Three attacks occurred in Kigali in 2013,
killing five and injuring 42 persons. Two more attacks occurred in the city of
Ruhengeri (also known as Musanze) in early 2014. Remain vigilant, exercise
caution, and avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gatherings.

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Travelers should exercise extreme caution when traveling near the Rwanda-DRC
border given the possibility of renewed fighting between the Congolese armed forces
(FARDC) and the M23 armed group. While M23 was defeated militarily in November
2013, the FARDC and peacekeepers of the United Nations Organization
Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)
continue to engage in combat operations against other armed groups in the DRC
state of North Kivu, which borders Rwanda.
Vulnerabilities

Health- Preexisting conditions that require ongoing care should be considered

before traveling to Rwanda. Medications needed should be packed in original
containers from your U.S. medical facility and instructions listed for a longer period
of time then initially planned for.

Training- Training in dealing with a crisis situation, target hardening, cultural

awareness and basic medical training is recommended for travelers going to
Rwanda. The greatest vulnerability for travelers to high risk regions is a lack of
training and situational awareness.

Experience- The travelers on this trip do have the experience necessary to react in
an appropriate manner if confronted with a crisis. Traveling in a group also
decreases the risk level and traveling with personnel who have been to Rwanda also
decreases risk. Training is still recommended and one should never rely on their
own experiences exclusively.

Electronic Communications- Telephone communication to and from Rwanda is

generally reliable. Cellular telephones are available for purchase in many large
towns and cellular service is reliable along most major routes in Rwanda. There are
three main cellular providers: MTN, Tigo and Airtel. Internet service is increasingly
available throughout Rwanda, but high-speed connections are often unavailable or
unreliable and expensive.

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Recent Significant Events

April 28th, 2015 - More Than 5000 Burundians Flee to Rwanda in Two Days
More than 5,000 Burundians fled to Rwanda over the weekend following mounting
tensions in the central African country, bringing the total number of arrivals in April to
nearly 21,000, the UN said Tuesday.

April 23rd, 2015 - Kigali denies Rwandan troops crossed into DRC Kigali - The
government in Kigali has vehemently dismissed reports that its troops had crossed
into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and wounded a Congolese
soldier.The Congolese government claimed Rwandan troops crossed into eastern
DRC on Wednesday without any prior notice and wounded a local soldier.

April 29th, 2015 - Civil society, faith-based organizations and government join
hands for peace Kigali - Civil society, faith-based organizations and government
agencies that work to promote peace have resolved to partner in their peace
promotion and development efforts. This was the key message at a peace forum
dubbed, Countdown to Peace Day 2015, in Kigali, yesterday, to deliberate on ways
to mark this years Peace Day slated for September 21.

Etiquette in Rwanda
Greetings

Men greeting Men A handshake is appropriate in most situations. Handshakes

tend to be energetic and very often linger through the greeting process and
sometimes the entire conversation which may include walking where it is common to
continue hold/shake hands. As a show of respect/ deference it is common to grasp
the right forearm with your left hand when shaking hands. In casual situations a low
hand slap is common. Many men also share a light touching of the side of forehead
to the side of the other persons foreheadfirst the right side, then the left.

Women greeting Women A handshake and/or nod of acknowledgment is

appropriate in most situations. If you would like to show great respect you may also
place your left hand over your right elbow/forearm when handshaking. Many times
women will hold hands with other women, and often the handshake is prolonged into
this hand-holding. . Close friends or family members usually hug and exchange
kisses on the cheek, alternating sides. If you are unsure what to do, just follow the
lead of your Rwandan counterpart.
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Greetings between Men & Women Appropriate greetings depend on the nature of
the relationship and region. A handshake is usually appropriate but it is best to wait
for the woman to extend her hand, otherwise a bow or a nod of acknowledgment will
suffice.

Note: Its a good idea to use your right hand when shaking hands. Shaking hands is
expected in business or government meetings.
Communication

Rwandans tend to communicate more directly in certain situations and indirectly in

others. For example, people may ask whether or not you are married and/or have
children, but may not directly voice their displeasure in a public setting.
Rwandans may avoid telling the truth if it might hurt or upset the person they are
speaking with. While it may be seen as lying by some, most Rwandans feel that they
are being sensitive to the persons feelings.
Its best to avoid asking about someones ethnicity, making any referral to the
war/genocide, discussing politics, or sex.
If you ask about someones family, be prepared to hear that many may have been
killed. An appropriate response would be, I am very sorry for your loss.
Good topics of conversation include: food, the Rwandan landscape, your home
country, sports, and the weather.
Humor plays a big role in communicating and most Rwandans enjoy a good joke.
However, it is best to avoid sarcasm as it may not translate well, if at all.
Rwandans tend to be very indirect, talking around issues instead of discussing them
directly. Conversations are usually preceded by questions about the family, etc. and
other niceties.

Personal space and touching

Its a good idea to learn some terms in Kinyarwanda. A simple Mwaramutse in the
morning (or Mwiriwe in the afternoon) will make people smile and open up to you.
Rwandans enjoy meeting foreigners who make an effort to learn their language and
culture, both of which are marvelous. Learning even a little will go a long way with
them.
Personal space tends to be very minimal. People often talk very close to each other
and less than an arms length is common in most situations.
On public transportation, personal space is limited to non-existent. It is common to
see people crowded into a bus or taxi with no space in between. This tends to be the
case more in rural areas vs. urban.

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When two people of the same sex are talking, touching is acceptable. It is common
to touch the hands, arms, and shoulders as well as hold hand while walking. This is
seen as a sign of friendship.
When two people of the opposite sex talk there is very little to no touching. The only
appropriate touch is usually a handshake/greeting.
One should avoid touching elders and superiors superfluously. Touching on the arm
is quite common, but it should also be understood that touching someone of the
opposite sex can easily be misconstrued as flirting.

Eye contact

Generally, people prefer indirect eye contact. This does not mean you cant look at
somebody directly, but continuous eye contact during conversations is not a must.
Overly direct eye contact can be considered aggressive by some. This is especially
the case when speaking with superiors or elders.
Women and children often will look down or away when conversing with men or with
elders.
Direct eye contact is not viewed as aggressive. In rural areas, visitors will find eye
contact will not be as common as in Kigali . With government officials, this is
expected.

Views of Time

In most situations, Rwandans do not tend to be overly concerned with being

punctual. People are expected to arrive within the first hour or two after the
appointed time.
Punctuality tends to be more valued in business situations, but deadlines are often
not met.
Generally speaking, people will give their time freely and are happy to accommodate
unscheduled visits regardless of other plans.
Time is fluid in this culture, but it also depends on the person with whom you are
meeting. Government officials, even in rural areas, will almost always be on time.
The government has emphasized punctuality as one of their main values.
In interpersonal relationships, it is common for Rwandans to be 30 minutes to an
hour late; flexibility is encouraged. Often, Rwandans expect foreigners to be on time,
even if they are not.
Rwandans tend to greet all friends and acquaintances that they pass, and exchange
niceties; this can often slow them down to an appointment. They like to take their
time; relationship building is very important in this culture, which is particularly
understandable, given their divisive history.

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Gender issues:

Rwanda is going through a transition when it comes to gender roles; however, it is

still a male dominant society. Over the past several years, women have made
dramatic gains in equality. In rural areas, women continue their traditional roles in
raising children, preparing meals, and working in the fields. However, in Kigali, it is
common to see women at all levels in business and government, and there are
policewomen as well.
In most rural areas women will most likely be housewives. They will be expected to
cook, clean, do they laundry and take care of the children, as well as work their land.
In urban settings it is more likely to find women who work and have a career.
Although opportunities are becoming more varied, salaries and room for growth tend
to be limited.
Women have recently received the right to own land.
The Rwandan Parliament boasts the greatest percentage of women of any
parliament in the world. Foreign women are at no particular disadvantage in.
Activities that tend to be unacceptable for women surround issues of drinking; there
is a stigma against women who go to bars (in areas outside of Kigali).

Gestures

When gesturing or beckoning for someone to come, you should face your palm
downwards and make a scratching motion with the fingers.
It is rude to point at people, as pointing is reserved for dogs, so usually the whole
hand/arm is used.
Rwandan gestures tend to be the same as mainstream American and French
gestures. To beckon someone (as in a restaurant), the formal call is Bwana
(pronounced Bgana, not the Swahili Bwana), and informally, Rwandans will hiss
repeatedly. Hissing is the way to call moto-taxis and taxi-cars.

Taboos

Avoid asking about someones ethnicity or referring to someone as Hutu or Tutsi.

Rwanda is a delicate country whose deep wounds are healing. The government is
working hard to ensure that Rwandans heal together, so as to avoid another conflict
in the future. To do so, they have emphasized the idea that ethnicity no longer
exists, that everyone is simply Rwandan. As a result, it is illegal to discuss ethnic
groups in outside sanctioned discussions, such as those held during Genocide
Memorial Week every April. Otherwise, such conversations could be perceived as
promoting genocide ideology, which is a punishable offense.
Almost every Rwandan has a story related to the 1994 genocide. The trauma was so
severe that it is difficult for many to cope. As a result, it is improper to ask people
what happened to them; rather, once Rwandans build a relationship with foreigners
(or if they feel comfortable talking about it), they will open up.
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13

Dress appropriately. People in Kigali take pride in their appearance, and tend to
dress up. Visitors should make an effort to dress well in the capital (i.e. no safari
wear). Do not wear shortsshorts are only worn by Rwandan schoolboys.
While it is rare for Rwandan women in rural areas to wear pants, it is perfectly
acceptable for foreign women to wear pants in the field and in Kigali . When outside
the capital, it is acceptable to wear more rugged clothing (with the exception of
shorts).

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14

Important Contact Information

MSS: 1-855-572-3156
Insurance:
Local Contact: ______________
Local EMS: Locally call police on 112 for an emergency, 113 for traffic accident, or
3511 (abuse by a police officer including attempts at bribery).
Emergency Medical Services can be contacted by dialing 912 (Only in Kigali)
U.S. Embassy/Consulate Location and Contact Information
Address: 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie (Kacyiru)
P.O. Box 28 Kigali, RWANDA
Phone: (250) 252 596 400
Fax: (250) 252 580 325
Web Address: http://rwanda.usembassy.gov/index.html
To reach the U.S. Embassy in case of emergencies outside of our regular working
hours, please call: 250-252-596-400. Marine Security Guards at Post One will answer
calls after hours and on weekends.
Operational hours:
Monday to Thursday: 08:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 08:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m.

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15

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is the cusomters responsibility to learn as much as possible about the risks of international travel and to
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