The visiting staffers were received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, for discussions focused on strengthening the Rwandaâ€"United States partnership.
The engagement also provided an opportunity to exchange views on Rwanda's development progress, governance priorities, and long-term nation-building efforts following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Rwanda Visit Program is designed to equip U.S. Congressional staff with first-hand knowledge of Rwanda's political and socio-economic transformation, with a particular focus on post-genocide reconstruction, reconciliation, and inclusive development. Through structured discussions and field engagements, participants gain deeper insight into Rwanda's policy frameworks and development model.
As part of broader congressional engagement with Rwanda, the U.S. Congressional delegation visited the Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre in Musanze District on Friday. During the visit, the delegation met former combatants of the FDLR militia who voluntarily repatriated and renounced armed struggle. The militia group active in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) comprises remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The delegation was briefed on Rwanda's demobilisation and reintegration programme and heard testimonies from former combatants who chose peace and reintegration into civilian life. The Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission highlighted the country's approach to promoting security, unity, and stability in the Great Lakes Region.
Speaking on behalf of the congressional delegation during the Mutobo visit, Congressman Nick Hawatmeh commended Rwanda's efforts to foster unity and social cohesion and expressed appreciation for the work being carried out to support reconciliation and long-term peace.
'We appreciate the incredibly important work to ensure Rwandans stay unified and together,' Hawatmeh said. 'The work you do is extremely important.'
Established in 2022 under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act, the Rwanda Visit Program has hosted several cohorts of U.S. Congressional staff and continues to serve as an important platform for strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation between Rwanda and the United States.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
