Information on Rwandan ID cards for the period following the 1994 genocide [RWA38197.FE]

The following information on Rwandan ID cards was provided by the Rwandan Minister of Local Administration and Social Affairs in a letter faxed to the Research Directorate on 4 December 2001. It states that:

[translation]
Rwandan ID cards are blue.
Rwandan ID cards are standard throughout the country, except for the names of prefectures on the first card, and the names of the provinces and the name "Ville de Kigali" on the new card.
After the [1994] genocide, two changes were made to the ID card. The first change was made in 1995 and involved the removal of the reference to tribal origin ("ethnie"). The second change, which is just starting to be introduced, involves using the new, recently established administrative entities (province, city/town, district, municipality).
All the cards are printed at the same place.
The ID card bears the coat of arms of the Rwandese Republic, printed at the top of the first page. This coat of arms is also stamped on the cardholder's photo on the second page of the card. Finally, the seal of the cardholder's city/town, district or municipality accompanies the signature of the issuing authority.
The ID cards bear the name of the prefectures or provinces where they were or are to be issued.
The names of children under 16 years of age are written on their father's ID card. Their names are written on their mother's ID card if their father is unknown or if they are illegitimate.
The photos affixed to the ID cards issued in 1995 were taken at communal offices. The photos affixed to the new cards are brought in by the applicants themselves.
The ID cards are issued free of charge. However, replacing a lost ID card costs the cardholder 300 Rwandan francs.
Applicants do not require any documents to obtain an ID card. However, they must apply in person.
You will shortly receive by mail samples of the new ID card and of the one in use since 1995.

When contacted by telephone on 5 December 2001, the Rwandan Minister of Local Administration and Social Affairs indicated that both versions of the Rwandan ID card are still valid.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References


Ministry of Local Administration and Social Affairs, Kigali. 5 December 2001. Telephone interview with the Minister.

_____. 4 December 2001. Letter sent to the Research Directorate by the Minister.

Associated documents