constituteproject.org
PDF generated: 18 Apr 2016, 15:14
Article 6
The national symbols of Rwanda are the flag, the motto, the seal and the national
anthem.
• National flag
The national flag is made up of three colours: green, yellow and blue.
• National flag
The flag comprises the following colours from the bottom to the top: a green strip,
followed by a yellow strip 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.
• National flag
A Law shall determine the characteristics, significance, usage and ceremonials of the
national flag.
• National motto
The motto of the Republic is: UNITY, WORK, PATRIOTISM.
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, a
stem of sorghum and a branch of a coffee tree, a basket, a blue wheel with teeth and
two shields one on the right and one on the left.
The characteristics, significance, usage and protection of the Seal shall be
determined by a Law.
• National anthem
The national anthem is "RWANDA NZIZA".
The characteristics and ceremonies of the National Anthem shall be determined by a
Law.
• Requirements for birthright citizenship
• Conditions for revoking citizenship
Article 7
Every person has a right to nationality.
Dual nationality is permitted.
No person may be deprived of Rwandan nationality of origin.
No person shall be arbitrarily deprived of his or her nationality or of the right to
change nationality.
Rwandans or their descendants who were deprived of their nationality between 1st
November 1959 and 31 December 1994 by reason of acquisition of foreign
nationalities automatically reacquire Rwandan nationality if they return to settle in
Rwanda.
All persons originating from Rwanda and their descendants shall, upon their request,
be entitled to Rwandan nationality.
• Requirements for naturalization
The conditions of acquisition, retention, enjoyment and deprivation of Rwandan
nationality shall be determined by an Organic Law.
Article 8
• Claim of universal suffrage
Suffrage is universal and equal for all citizens.
• Secret ballot
Suffrage is direct or indirect and secret, unless the Constitution or another Law
provides otherwise.
• Restrictions on voting
All Rwandan citizens of both sexes who fulfil the requirements provided for by the
law have the right to vote and to be elected.
Rwanda 2003 (rev. 2010)
Page 8