Romance has collided with regulation in Kigali as the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) issues a stern warning against the growing Valentine’s Day trend of gifting "cash bouquets," declaring the practice illegal and harmful to the economy.

As lovers prepare to celebrate February 14th, the central bank has moved to nip the floral-monetary fusion in the bud. In a public notice that has sparked debate across social media, the NBR cautioned that folding, pinning, gluing, or taping banknotes into decorative arrangements constitutes "defacement" of the national currency. The regulator warned that anyone caught mutilating the Rwandan Franc in the name of love will face the full force of the law.

The Cost of "Rich" Romance

The "cash bouquet"—an arrangement where crisp banknotes are folded to resemble flowers—has become a status symbol in East Africa, popularized by influencers on TikTok and Instagram. However, the NBR argues that this aesthetic display comes at a steep cost to the taxpayer. "When notes are crumpled or stuck with sellotape, they cannot be processed by our sorting machines or ATMs. They have to be withdrawn from circulation prematurely and replaced, which costs the country billions," the bank explained.

The warning mirrors a similar directive issued by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) earlier this week, signaling a regional crackdown on the misuse of currency. Both regulators emphasize that money is a symbol of national sovereignty and a tool of trade, not a crafting material for florists.

Legal Consequences

The NBR reminded the public that the law is clear. Under Rwanda’s penal code, willfully damaging banknotes is a criminal offense punishable by fines and potential jail time. Florists and event planners have been specifically put on notice to discontinue the service immediately.

• Florists in Panic: Many Kigali florists who had stocked up on crisp notes and accessories for the Valentine's rush are now scrambling to cancel orders. "It was our biggest seller this year. Now we have to tell clients to just send mobile money," lamented one vendor in Remera.
• Digital Alternatives: The bank is encouraging Rwandans to use digital payment platforms for monetary gifts. "Send a Momo transfer with a love note. It is safer, cleaner, and legal," a bank official advised.
• Public Reaction: The ban has drawn mixed reactions. While economic purists applaud the move, romantics argue that the government is being a "killjoy." "How do you frame a mobile money transaction?" asked one disgruntled user on X (formerly Twitter).

Respecting the Franc

The crackdown highlights a broader issue of currency handling in the region. From being crumpled in matatus to being sprayed at weddings, the East African banknote endures a rough life. The central banks hope that by curbing the bouquet trend, they can instill a culture of respect for the currency.

So, this Valentine’s, if you want to show your love in Kigali, say it with roses, chocolates, or a diamond—but keep the Francs in your wallet, or risk spending your romantic evening in a police cell. Love is blind, but the law is watching.