MAGUFULI TRAVELS TO RWANDA BY ROAD IN HIS FIRST FOREIGN TRIP

By JEMEDARI MWANAWAKIUME

Tanzania’s President Magufuli visits Rwanda in first foreign trip, travels by road.

Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli will today visit neighbouring Rwanda in his first foreign trip since assuming office.

The 56-year-old will reportedly travel to Kigali by road and not an executive presidential plane customary of African leaders.

Magufuli is scheduled to join his Rwandese counterpart in commemorating the country’s 1994 genocide that saw more than 800,000 people killed.

President Magufuli has been busy domestically since taking over from former president Jakaya Kikwete, spearheading a crack on corruption and instilling discipline in the public sector.
Unlike his predecessor who was known for frequent foreign trips, Magufuli has not been in a hurry to leave his country, and has even skipped at least five international meetings since becoming president.

The Tanzanian president’s trip to Rwanda is seen as significant in enhancing good relations between the two East African countries.

President Kagame recently praised Magufuli’s style of leadership, saying he believes he would help the East African Community move forward.

Rwanda’s media report that the two-day visit will begin with the official opening on the Rusumo one-stop border post connecting the two countries before the two presidents hold a joint press conference.

Magufuli will then join Rwandans tomorrow in commemorating the country’s genocide. The two presidents will lay wreaths and light a memorial flame, and later join Rwandans in a ‘walk to remember’, before attending a night vigil at Amahoro National stadium in the capital Kigali.