Rwanda donates maize meal

Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

Zimbabwe has received 1 000 tonnes of maize meal from Rwanda as part of the global response to the appeal by President Mnangagwa after the country and most of SADC was hit by the El Nino induced drought.

The donation comes at a time when the Government and its partners are accelerating the implementation of a food deficit mitigation strategy to ensure that the nation becomes food secure.

Speaking after receiving the donation in Harare yesterday in Harare, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe thanked Rwanda for the donation, saying it will be given vulnerable communities and would go a long way in addressing food challenges in the affected communities. East Africa normally has better harvests during an El Nino while Southern Africa has reduced harvests.

He also said the cooperation between Rwanda and Zimbabwe is poised to enhance growth, promote cultural exchange and strengthen bilateral relations.

“Rwanda and Zimbabwe have a very special bilateral relationship based on our selflessness in mutual interest. I’m very grateful on behalf of the President of Zimbabwe and we appreciate the Government of Rwanda’s positive response to the clarion call for support following the 2024 climate induced disaster in appealing for assistance. This is a clear demonstration of the mutual relationship between the two sister countries. The donation will help the communities affected by drought.

“This handover will highlight our long existing relationship. I wish to highlight that this gesture will greatly assist in cushioning the cereal requirement in affected communities. The Government will ensure the donation reaches the intended beneficiaries,” he said.

The bilateral relations of the two countries were being fostered through various cooperation agreements.

During the Zimbabwean-Rwandan trade investment held in Harare in 2022, the two nations signed several memorandums of understanding aimed at enhancing trade and investment with a view to improve the standards and quality of lives of Rwandan and people of Zimbabwe.

The cooperation specifically targets trade and investment in areas of mining, education, tourism and agriculture, among other areas.

In May 2023 President Mnangagwa mobilised support for the victims of floods in Rwanda which claimed dozens of lives while the Rwandan Government rendered support to the victims of Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe.

At the same event Rwandan Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr James Musoni said the cooperation between the two countries must continue, commending the Government of Zimbabwe for the resilience in dealing with the El Nino induced drought by putting in place several programmes to support vulnerable families.

“Early April this year President Mnangagwa made a call and the President of Rwanda responded to the call and dispatched the consignment of 100 tonnes of maize meal to Zimbabwe in the spirit of ubuntu. The Africans come in solidarity during this difficult time. We continue to assist each other.

“The cooperation between our two countries is at a higher level. His Excellency Dr Mnangagwa was in Rwanda in August for the inauguration of His Excellency Paul Kagame. He was there last year for the Transform Africa Summit and there are so many other initiatives which have seen so many MoUs signed and quite a number of them are under implementation,” he said.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Mercy Dinha said the donation comes at a critical time when most families are facing hardships, adding that this will go a long way in solving the food challenges.

“This remarkable act of solidarity and support is a testament to the strong ties that bind our nations and reflects the spirit of cooperation and compassion that exists within the African Union. I would like to thank the Government of Rwanda for this contribution.

“Your commitment in assisting is truly commendable. This donation will not alleviate food insecurity for many families in Zimbabwe, but will also save as a beacon of hope during this challenging time. Your commitment to improving the welfare of our citizens is evident in your timely response,” she said.