RUSAGARA MUVUNANKIKO Valens
The Rwandan government has expressed condolences to traders and workers affected by a fire that destroyed buildings housing Musanze Market at GOICO Plaza on the night of 10 October 2026, as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and support the recovery of affected businesses.
In a statement issued on 11 October, the Ministry of Local Government said the fire had affected traders, workers, market operators and other people whose livelihoods depended on the market, describing it as a historic commercial centre.
“On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, we extend our condolences and stand in solidarity with traders, workers, market operators (GOICO), and all those whose livelihoods and sources of income were affected by the fire that struck this historic market on the night of 10 October 2026,” the statement said.
The government also commended the Rwanda National Police for its response to the incident and thanked residents who worked together to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage.
According to the Ministry of Local Government, two people sustained minor injuries, while more than 15 others suffered distress and were taken to hospital for medical attention.
The statement said most of those affected had been discharged, while two remained under medical care.
The statement did not report any arrests. The cause of the fire also remains unconfirmed in the information provided by the authorities.
The government said it would work with traders and other stakeholders to support the recovery of businesses affected by the destruction.
In a separate report, Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) cited Northern Province Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice as saying that preliminary information indicated that the buildings affected at GOICO Plaza, which housed Musanze Market, were valued at approximately Rwf30 billion.
The same report also mentioned a figure of approximately Rwf17 billion for the buildings.
The fire at Musanze Market has left traders and workers facing uncertainty as the government pledges support for recovery and the relevant authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
