KIGALI - The Upper Chamber of Parliament yesterday gave a nod to Jacques Kabare and Ernest Rwamucyo as Rwanda’s new Ambassadors to France and the United Kingdom respectively.

Rwamucyo was accredited on grounds of his long experience in diplomacy and work with international organisations while Kabare was also voted on grounds that he is well versed with Rwanda-France issues.

Rwamucyo takes over from economist Claver Gatete who was recalled and appointed the vice-Governor of the Central Bank.

After studying the credentials of the two nominees, the senate’s extra-ordinary session unanimously approved the appointments made by the Cabinet earlier this month.

Part of the Senate’s role is to vet government appointments.

"I lived in France for many years and I am well conversant with the French politics, I also happened to have had a personal chat with this candidate and he seemed to be well versed with Rwanda-France Relations,” said Senator Jose Kagabo in support of Kabare’s nomination.

"Particularly, he said he is willing to foster Rwanda-France Parliamentary relations, which makes him a suitable candidate”.

The appointment of Kabare came in the wake of Rwanda and France agreeing to bury the hatchet and fully restore diplomatic relations which were severed three years ago. France has also nominated an envoy to Kigali but the names of the individual have not been revealed.

Prior to his appointment, Kabare was an adviser to the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Donald Kaberuka.

He was also member of the National Constitutional Commission which was charged with carrying out consultations before the current constitution was put in place.

Rwamucyo, who has been working as an expert at the headquarters of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was at one time a Director in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

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