CHAPTER II. REPUBLIC OF RWANDA
Article 4. The Republic
The Rwandan State is an independent, sovereign, democratic, social and secular Republic.
The founding principle of the Republic of Rwanda is: “Government of Rwandans, by Rwandans and for Rwandans”.
Article 5. Territory of Rwanda and administrative entities
Rwanda’s territory comprises areas covered by land, rivers, lakes and airspace located within the borders of the Republic of Rwanda.
In determining Rwanda’s territory, consideration is given to Rwanda’s boundaries as defined by international treaties ratified by Rwanda and Rwandan laws.
The territory of Rwanda is divided into administrative entities determined by an Organic law that also sets their number, boundaries and structures.
Article 6. Decentralisation
Public powers are decentralised at local administrative entities in accordance with provisions of law.
A law determines the organisation and functioning of decentralised entities.
Article 7. Capital City
The Capital of the Republic of Rwanda is the City of Kigali.
A law determines the organisation and functioning of the Capital city.
A law may relocate the Capital City elsewhere in Rwanda.
Article 8. National language and official languages
The National language is Ikinyarwanda.
The official languages are Ikinyarwanda, English and French.
An organic law may add or remove an official language.
Official documents may be either in one, two or all of the official languages.
Article 9. National Symbols of Rwanda
The national symbols of Rwanda are the National flag, the Motto of the Republic, the Seal of the Republic and the National Anthem.
The flag comprises the following colours: from bottom to top a green stripe, followed by a yellow stripe both of which cover half the flag. The upper half is blue and bears on its right-hand side the image of the sun with its rays of golden yellow. The sun and its rays are separated by a blue ring.
The Motto of the Republic is: “UBUMWE, UMURIMO, GUKUNDA IGIHUGU”.
The Seal of the Republic is made up of a circular green rope with a green knot at the base, bearing on its upper part, the imprints “REPUBULIKA Y’U RWANDA”. At the bottom of the knot is the motto of the Republic: “UBUMWE, UMURIMO, GUKUNDA IGIHUGU”. All these inscriptions are in black against a yellow background.
The Seal of the Republic also bears the following ideograms: the sun with its rays, sorghum and coffee tree, a basket, a blue wheel with teeth and two shields one on the right and one on the left.
The National Anthem is “RWANDA NZIZA”.
Specific laws determine details relating to national symbols.
