Uncertain support for “villagisation” efforts

The Rwandan government is moving ahead with its controversial villagisation effort throughout the country as international agencies grapple with what role they should play in a programme that is expected to have far-reaching implications on Rwandan society, aid officials said. “The policy is clear. In rural areas, every Rwandan is to move into a village for the purpose of proper land utilisation and the provision of basic services,” said Patricia Hajabakiga, secretary-general in the ministry of lands, human resettlement and environmental protection (MINITERE). “It’s the only alternative we have,” she said. But many donors remain sceptical about the programme, citing reports of “coerced” relocations, disappointing experiences of villagisation in other countries, and a lack of population participation in the process. [For details, please refer to separate.