Philippe Mpayimana, the only independent candidate in the upcoming presidential elections, unveiled his manifesto for the campaign on June 21, during a press conference.
Mpayimana, who will be taking his shot at the presidency for the second time after his failed bid in 2017, is set to kick off his campaign in Kirehe district in Eastern Province.
"My manifesto is covered in 50 articles summarized in 15 categories, and it was developed basing on prior consultative sessions held with the citizenry and some new ideas developed over time some reflecting existing policies and new initiatives,” he said.
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Key points of his manifesto
Regarding agriculture and animal resources,
Mpayimana said that once elected, he will reform various sectors built over the past years, with a particular focus on the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources where his proposals include land management, increasing farm productivity, boosting food production, developing small local industries, and promoting the fish industry.
For education he says he will address critical issues such as resolving questions related to loans granted to higher education students and improving the welfare of students.
"For environment and natural resources I will promote waste sorting and establish recycling plants for paper, plastic, and glass. Strengthening the mining industry is also a key goal, positioning it as a pillar of the economy,” he said.
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"I will also work on finance, economy, and trade to enhance Rwanda’s economic landscape, regulating the profession of commission agents, formalizing all types of salaried or paid employment, promoting investment by Africans in Rwanda, and increasing exports to reduce the trade deficit.”
Regarding his foreign policy, Mpayimana said he plans to decentralize consular services to bring them to Rwandan communities abroad and positioning Rwanda as a pillar of the United States of Africa.
He also envisions Rwanda playing a significant role in international solidarity and helping other countries resolve their issues, leveraging the nation’s experiences post-1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Among other sectors that Mpayimana saidbhe would focus on include health and family, infrastructure, internal security and information, national defence, justice, labour and social affairs, local government and community engagement, youth, technology, arts, and sports and national unity and culture
Mpayimana said that he would delve into his manifesto during the campaigns where he is set to kick off in Kirehe District on Saturday June 22.
According to his calendar, he will hold his final rally in Nyarugenge District in Kigali, on July 13.
He said he will cover all the 30 districts of the country.