What were the reasons behind President Kagame’s decision to dismiss Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya from her position as the Public Service minister?

Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently dismissed Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, the Public Service and Labour minister, due to concerns over her accountability during her tenure as Minister of Environment. She is currently under investigation for these allegations.

The Rwanda Investigations Bureau (RIB) is conducting an investigation into the minister, permanent secretary in the Environment ministry Patrick Karere, and other individuals for the misuse of forestry and environmental projects.

The termination and inquiry occurred within a month subsequent to her appointment as the Minister of Public Service and Labour after a Cabinet reshuffle.

Dr. Mujawamariya and the permanent secretary, Karera Patrick, are currently under investigation for their involvement in the mismanagement of forestry projects.

“Not only these two individuals, but many others associated with these projects are also under investigation,” stated Thierry Murangira, spokeswoman for RIB.

According to him, Karere has been subjected to questioning in order to confirm the evidence with the material that is currently accessible.

“The RIB has the authority and capacity to investigate individuals who violate the law. The only way to prevent this is by refraining from engaging in unlawful activities.”

This occurrence coincides with President Kagame’s preparation for his inauguration for another term in office following the completion of elections, in which he secured a remarkable 99.18 percent victory. Analysts suggest that he may be engaging in a process of “house-cleaning” as he readies himself for the commencement of his new five-year tenure.

President Kagame is renowned for his zero-tolerance stance on corruption, indiscipline, and mismanagement. In the past, he has implemented stringent actions against ministers and public officials who have been accused in such crimes.

Edouard Bamporiki, the ex-Minister of Youth and Culture, is presently incarcerated for a duration of four years following his conviction for corruption and the abuse of his position to solicit a bribe in 2022.

CG (Rtd) Emmanuel Gasana, who previously held the positions of Governor of Eastern Province and Inspector-General of Police, is currently serving a three-and-a-half-year prison term for being convicted of abuse of office.

Dr. Mujawamariya served as the Minister of Environment in the Rwandan government from November 2019 until recently, making her one of the administration’s most enduring ministers.

Before working at Environment, Mujawamariya, who has a PhD in physical chemistry, served as the ambassador of Rwanda to Russia from 2013 to 2019.

Prior to assuming the role of ambassador in 2013, she served as the Vice-Chancellor of Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) from 2011.

In addition, she held the position of Minister of Gender and Family Promotion from 2011 to 2013, and Minister of Education from 2006 to 2008.