Following the increase in the number of coronavirus-infected people, Rwanda has taken the decision to suspend all flights to and from Kigali as of 20 March. And this for a period of one month.
“Commercial flights, including RwandAir, are suspended at Kigali International Airport (AIK) from Friday 20th March 2020 at midnight for an initial period of one month.” According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Health on March 18, 2020. However, “cargo and emergency flights are allowed.” Specifies the same message.
At the time of making this decision, eleven (11) patients have already been identified following a positive test. Almost all the people suffering from the coronavirus pandemic have arrived in Kigali by ordinary flights.
“Increased vigilance is needed on the part of all residents of Rwanda. ” Added the communiqué issued in the evening. It reminds people to wash their hands regularly, avoid large gatherings and limit unnecessary travel. The reason is simple: those infected have been in contact with others and can spread the virus.
The Rwandan government has taken the bull by the horns by suspending air traffic as this decision is likely to have a negative impact on the national economy.
The only air transport company, RwandAir, had previously suspended flights to the Far East and Near East. The cities of Guangzhou, Mumbai and Tel Aviv are currently not served. With this new health measure, European cities such as Brussels and London-Gatwick are added.
Economic Implications
On the economic front, the decision to suspend all commercial flights to and from Kigali for one month will have a negative impact on the national economy.
“For the moment, it is difficult to estimate the economic losses in figures. “It is difficult at the moment to estimate the economic losses in figures,” says Teddy Kaberuka, a career economist. “RwandAir’s planes will remain immobilized on the ground. Those of foreign airlines will not use Kigali International Airport. It is obvious that the losses will be huge.” He explains that this implies technical unemployment for several agents. Different businesses will have to suspend their activities. Taxes on services offered at the airport and on aircraft will not be levied. And this may be for a longer period of time than can be foreseen at present. “But,” he stresses, “we have to put human lives and the economy on the balance. ”
The US government expresses its solidarity
Through U.S. Ambassador to Kigali Peter Vrooman, the U.S. government has pledged to support Rwanda in its efforts to deal with the pandemic.
“We will continue to work with the Government of Rwanda on this unprecedented international health crisis. Together, we will protect Rwandans and Americans from COVID-19, just as we have made progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS and Ebola.” The American diplomat said during the week.
Chinese businessman Jack Ma also pledged his support for African countries affected by the pandemic. Materials against the coronavirus. A batch of 20,000 materials for the test of the virus, 100,000 masks and 1,000 protective gloves for medical personnel. Rwanda is one of the countries that benefit from this donation from Jack Ma.
Gérard Rugambwa
