On October 12, 2026, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda expressed his condolences and encouragement to the residents of Musanze following a fire that ravaged the GOICO Plaza on October 10, 2026. The fire, which broke out on a Saturday evening, destroyed a significant portion of the building, affecting over 2,000 traders who operated within the complex. According to Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde of the Northern Province, President Kagame's message was conveyed through him on Monday, October 12, 2026.
The Governor stated that President Kagame urged the people not to lose hope but to draw strength from their collective efforts that led to the development of GOICO Plaza. He emphasized that the President's message was one of encouragement, reminding the people that they had achieved GOICO through collaboration and cooperation, and that they could accomplish even more. The Governor expressed gratitude to President Kagame for his reassuring message, which has helped to calm the affected communities.
GOICO Plaza is a large market complex in the Northern Province of Rwanda, hosting over 2,000 traders. The fire that broke out on Saturday evening damaged a significant part of the building, from the roof to the first floor. However, authorities reported that the ground floor suffered less severe damage. Firefighters and rescue teams from the Rwanda Police, Rwanda Defence Forces, and local residents worked together to extinguish the fire, which was eventually put out on Sunday morning.
Although the cause of the fire is still unknown, no fatalities have been reported. However, two people sustained minor injuries, and 15 others were treated for shock. The Musanze local government reported that many of those affected by the fire were taken to a hospital on Sunday and later discharged. An initial assessment by the government estimated that goods worth approximately 30 billion Rwandan francs were destroyed in the fire, while the building itself is valued at around 17 billion Rwandan francs.
Governor Mugabowagahunde stated that the local government's priority is to listen to the traders, conduct an assessment, and identify the needs of each affected business, regardless of its size or insurance status. He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the affected communities. In a statement released on Sunday, the Ministry of Interior announced that the government will provide assistance to repair and rebuild the damaged GOICO Plaza.
The government has assured the public that it will provide support to those affected by the fire. President Kagame's message of condolences and encouragement has been well-received by the affected communities, who are grateful for his prompt response and reassurance. The incident has highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and response in Rwanda, and the government's efforts to mitigate the impact of the fire on the local economy.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by businesses and communities in Rwanda. The government's response to the disaster will be closely watched, as it seeks to balance the needs of the affected communities with the available resources. The rebuilding of GOICO Plaza is expected to be a significant undertaking, requiring coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders, including the government, traders, and local residents.
Key points
- President Kagame offers condolences and encouragement to GOICO Plaza fire victims.
- The fire destroyed part of the GOICO Plaza, affecting over 2,000 traders.
- The government has promised to provide assistance to repair and rebuild the damaged GOICO Plaza.
