Rwandan government to limit foreign trips for civil servants in a move to cut cost

FILE: Rwandan President Paul Kagame sat down with us for a Facebook Live interview at the conclusion of the World Economic Forum on Africa meeting in Kigali.

KIGALI - President Paul Kagame has cautioned public servants from engaging in needless foreign trips, a move that will help cut wasteful spending of government funds.

The head of state on Monday directed Prime Minister to put restrictions on public servants' foreign trips. Kagame was speaking while presiding over the swearing-in of the new senate President, Francois-Xavier Kalinda.

Kalinda, a former lawmaker at East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) replaces Augustin Iyamuremyi, who was appointed to the position in 2019.

“When I look at the in and out of unnecessary foreign travel by government officials, I am convinced that there is a need to slow it down and permit only those that are necessary. Even for those that are necessary, there should be a thorough assessment of what value they are bringing to the country. This is not a ban but it should be worth it. If there is no clear reason for the travel, then there is no need,” Kagame says.

He further added that henceforth all public servants are tasked with accountability.

“We should make sure that even while in office, they attend to their duties, which goes a long way in solving different issues raised by citizens.”
President Kagame said that the directive should not be understood as just the pleasure of restrictions but rather, as the accountability that is going to be exercised.

The belt-tightening measures are aimed at enhancing accountability among public servants across the landlocked East African state.

GAROWE ONLINE