RWANDA – Rwanda has donated 1,000 metric tonnes of maize to Zimbabwe, a country severely affected by an El Nino-induced drought.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Shava, announced this as he thanked President Kagame for the donation during Rwanda’s Liberation Day (Kwibohora 30) celebrations held at the residence of Rwanda’s envoy to Zimbabwe in Harare on July 11.
The celebration, held at the residence of Rwanda’s envoy to Zimbabwe in Harare, was attended by The Rwandan Embassy and Rwandans living in Zimbabwe.
“As we celebrate Rwanda’s Liberation Day today, a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of maize is on its way to Zimbabwe from Kigali,” Shava announced to attendees.
Shava expressed profound gratitude on behalf of Zimbabwe, recognizing the donation as a testament to the spirit of Ubuntu and solidarity between the two nations.
“We are grateful for the generosity of the President of Rwanda, His Excellency President Paul Kagame, the Government, and people of Rwanda, for this gesture of solidarity.
This is the spirit of Ubuntu that Rwanda has demonstrated by responding to the international appeal by His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, in the wake of the El Nino induced drought experienced during the 2023/2024 season.”
The El Nino phenomenon has brought severe drought conditions to Zimbabwe, exacerbating food insecurity and nutritional deficits among affected communities.
“This donation will go a long way in reducing the food and nutrition deficit among our affected communities. We will forever remember this generous donation from our dear brothers and sisters in Rwanda,” Shava added.
Rwandan Ambassador to Zimbabwe, James Musoni, highlighted the growing bond between the two countries, emphasizing that the donation reflects their unity and shared commitment to mutual support.
“When His Excellency President Mnangagwa appealed the hardships brought about by El Nino, his brother, His Excellency Paul Kagame heard it and immediately dispatched 1,000 metric tonnes of maize in support of his brother and the people of Zimbabwe to cope with this challenge,” Musoni stated.
The Kwibohora 30 celebrations brought together Rwandans living in Zimbabwe, diplomats, representatives from the ruling Zanu PF party, the business community, and friends of Rwanda.
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