The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) has unveiled a four-year strategic plan that is estimated to cost over Rwf 28bn with the annual expenditure set at approximately Rwf 7bn.

According to NURC, part of this budget will be provided by the Government while the other will be mobilized from development partners.

NURC has a mandate of promoting unity and reconciliation among Rwandans through core strategies of creating a permanent civic platform for debate and continuous analysis of causes of disunity and proposing possible solutions.

After equipping a documentation centre, an overall status report on unity and reconciliation for the last ten years will soon be released.

While presenting the strategic plan, Bernard Rutwaza, a private consultant pointed out the need to set up a new operational planning and reporting system where themes and results will be published.

"We look forward to reinforcing skills of our staff and commissioners plus setting up an operational system for high quality service delivery with a mechanism of signing performance contracts,” Rutwaza said.

The commission will also set up a professional monitoring and evaluation system, with a database that will be producing regular updates and continuous monitoring of results performance indicators.

Fatuma Ndangiza, NURC’s Executive Secretary stressed that the plan will track progress by consolidating peace building and conflict mediation mechanisms.

"An early warning response mechanism for conflict prevention, reintegration of former prisoners and reconciliation with other community members will be a priority,” she said.

She called for strong commitment to partnership and support for effective coordination while mainstreaming the unity and reconciliation policy.

NURC recently created national forums with various stakeholders in the reconciliation process which include women, the youth and religious leaders.

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