The ceremony, held as part of the Dutch royal palace's diplomatic engagements, sets the stage for Ambassador Dushimimana to deepen Rwandaâ€"Netherlands cooperation across sectors such as trade, development, and diplomacy.
A seasoned public servant, Dushimimana previously served as a senator and the Governor of Western Province. He was appointed to the ambassadorial role in December 2024.
He replaces Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, who was named Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in June of the same year.
Beyond traditional diplomacy, Ambassador Dushimimana is expected to actively engage with the Rwandan community abroad and foster partnerships with Dutch institutions, with a focus on areas like education, climate action, and inclusive development.
Rwanda and the Netherlands established formal diplomatic relations on October 1, 1964. However, diplomatic engagement between the two countries started earlier, with the first contacts dating back to 1957 when the Heineken Group established a brewery in Rwanda.
Following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the Netherlands was among the first countries to offer humanitarian aid and has since become a reliable partner in Rwanda's recovery and development.
The Rwandan Embassy in the Netherlands was established on November 1, 2006.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
