On October 10, 2026, a significant fire broke out at the GOICO Plaza in Musanze, Karere ka Musanze, destroying goods and property worth over 30 billion Rwandan francs and damaging the market building valued at approximately 17 billion Rwf. The incident left 17 people injured or affected, with 15 of them discharged from the hospital by October 12.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has reached out to offer encouragement to those affected by the fire, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience. According to Governor of Northern Province, Mugabowagahunde Maurice, President Kagame's message was conveyed during an interview with RBA on October 12, 2026. The Governor stated that the President's message urged the people not to lose hope and to continue working together.
Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice revealed that the President's message was well-received and provided much-needed encouragement to the affected individuals. He highlighted that the key message was to persevere and recognize that the market's existence was a result of collective efforts and unity. The Governor expressed confidence that with continued collaboration, the affected parties would overcome the challenges.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. In response to the disaster, the government has initiated assessments to understand the extent of the damage and identify potential solutions. So far, 635 alternative business premises have been identified in other Musanze buildings to accommodate displaced vendors, allowing them to restart their businesses.
The Governor assured that the government is committed to supporting the affected traders and ensuring they can resume their activities. This includes facilitating the reconstruction or renovation of the damaged market building. The government aims to provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
By providing support and alternative business spaces, the government hopes to mitigate the impact of the fire on the local economy. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response measures. Authorities are working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
President Kagame's intervention demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting affected citizens and promoting economic resilience. The government's efforts focus on providing relief and ensuring that businesses can recover and continue to contribute to the local economy.
Key points
- President Kagame urges vendors to remain resilient and united in the face of the fire disaster.
- The government has identified 635 alternative business premises for displaced vendors.
- The cause of the fire remains unknown, with investigations ongoing.
