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Rwandan Parliament passes law making Kiswahili official language

Xinhua, February 9, 2017 Adjust font size:

Rwandan lawmakers Wednesday passed the law establishing Kiswahili as an official language in addition to English, French and local Kinyarwanda.

This means the language will primarily be used for administrative purposes including in some official documents.

Defending the move in parliament, Rwanda's Minister of Sports and Culture Julienne Uwacu stressed the importance of the language to Rwandans.

Rwanda joined the East African Community (EAC) in 2007, and in the statute establishing the six-member bloc, partner states are requested to make Swahili as one of their official languages.

"Swahili as an official language is both a requirement as a member country but also a chance to increase the opportunities that Rwandans can reap from economic integration," she said.

The minister said with the passing of the law the East African Passport would soon be launched.

Following the development, the use of the language in schools will be gradually adopted, according to the minister. Endit