The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has urged communities living around Rugezi Marshland to remain vigilant against wildfires as prolonged dry conditions increase the risk of damage to the protected wetland.

Dry weather is expected to continue throughout August, with rainfall forecast to remain below the long-term average, according to Meteo Rwanda.

The weather agency projects that the country will receive between 5 and 100 millimetres of rainfall during the month.

Rugezi Marshland, a Ramsar-protected wetland, is a critical ecosystem and the main source of water for the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.