Editor,

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) is pleased to learn that the government and freedom of information stakeholders in Rwanda are taking important steps to operationalise Article 34 of the Constitution by strengthening the draft Right to Information Bill.

It is also gratifying that the Bill draws lessons from similar legislations in the region whose implementation is challenged in part due to weak oversight mechanisms.

Once the law is adopted, it will offer Africa new experiences and lessons.    

The adoption and implementation of Right to Information legislation strengthens the implementation of the ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance which was ratified by Rwanda last year.

We call upon East African Community partner states as well as other governments in the region
to be inspired by developments in Rwanda to adopt freedom of information legislations, ratify
and domesticate regional instruments. 
 
Gilbert Sendugwa
Coordinator/ Head of Secretariat
Africa Freedom of Information Centre
gilbert@africafoicentre.org