Ethic and Morale in the Microfinance Sector: AMIR continues upholding strong values
Kigali, 4th December 2017
As the umbrella organization of microfinance institutions (both microfinance companies and SACCOs) in Rwanda, AMIR takes a clear stand regarding business ethics and morale.
During the meeting that took place on 13th November 2017 at Marasa Umubano Hotel, all members of the board of directors discussed on the issue mentioned above and took a clear stand with respect to professional and business ethics.
The Board of Directors clarify that AMIR went through difficult times in the last couple of weeks, but found a way forward to overcome the related challenges even stronger than ever. In this regard, the Board refers to the lawsuit against John Peter RWEMA, the former Executive Director of AMIR, who is accused of rape and thus held in provisional detention since October 17th, 2017.
AMIR Members, Board of Directors, and staff strongly condemn any form of gender based violence and emphasize that their values as a network are based on a Code of Conduct through which each member commits to important principles, such as:
- Acting with integrity, fairness, responsibility, honesty, and moral uprightness
- Avoiding any illegal or unethical practice and complying with existing laws and regulations
- Combating unethical practices
- Avoiding any discrimination based on gender and other aspects
- Avoiding any demeanor that would suggest any kind of threat or violence
- Facing sanctions in case of violations of the code of conduct
To uphold these principles, the AMIR Board of directors will inculcate such values in the future leadership to make the entire executive team of AMIR exemplary in this matter. For the sake of avoiding any reputational risk and in order to ensure a better continuation of AMIR activities, the Board is hiring a new Executive Director within the next few weeks to fill the vacant post.
The AMIR Board wants to inform everyone that Mr. RWEMA’s allegations are of personal nature and do not in way or form concern AMIR as an institution: they should be considered as personal case. Moreover, regarding the recent articles that reported AMIR partners and/ or staff as direct accomplices in Mr. RWEMA’s case, the Board strongly rejects these irrational articles.
AMIR’s mission is to contribute efficiently to poverty reduction in a sustainable manner. AMIR orients all its activities towards improved services of the Rwandan microfinance institutions for their clients. Representing 97% of the microfinance sector in Rwanda, the network is ready to continue building a flourishing microfinance sector in the country through establishing new partnerships and preserving current partnerships with donors and partners.
AMIR informs the public, media and stakeholders in particular that its Members, Board and staff commit to keep fighting any unmoral activities and preserve the current partnership with stakeholders in a bid to pave and build a strong and sustainable Rwanda Microfinance Sector.
