Rwanda consoles Tanzania for 16 earthquake deaths

Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo shakes hands with Tanzania’s President during the official visit. (Photo/archive)

Louise Mushikiwabo, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister sent out a consolatory message to Tanzania after Saturday’s earthquake that struck Bukoba region leaving 16 people dead.

The 5.7 magnitude quake struck from Victoria Lake and its tremors felt in Tanzania mainly in Bukoba region and as far as Rwanda, Uganda and some parts of Eastern DRC. The quake left 16 people dead and more than 250 others injured.

Louise Mushikiwabo offered condolences to Tanzanians saying, “Pole sana kabisa to Tanzanian brothers and sisters for lives lost due to the earthquake! May the injured recover promptly!”

More than 800 buildings were destroyed in Bukoba City but no damages were reported in Tanzania’s economic capital, Dar-es Salaam.

This message marks strengthened bilateral ties since President John Pombe Magufuli ascended to power taking over Jakaya Mlisho Kikwete and made his maiden trip out of the country to Rwanda.

During the maiden trip to Rwanda in April 2016 for unveiling Rusumo one-stop border post, Dr. John Pombe said, “I was invited to too many places; I was invited to Europe and other places but I didn’t go there. I had been invited by H.E Paul Kagame and I came.”

He also reassured that Rwanda-Tanzania would continue strengthening cooperation and relations to boost trade. The port of Dar-es-Salaam is crucial for Rwanda’s trade routes, accounting for roughly 70% of all Rwandan international maritime trade.

Also South Africa and Kenya sent out their condolences, the latter offered 4000 iron sheets to support residents rehabilitate their damaged houses as the Kenyan media reported.