The visiting delegation from the European Union (EU) has said that they are impressed by Rwanda’s use of aid and zero tolerance to corruption.

The delegation led by the EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, and the Belgian Minister for Development Cooperation, Charles Michel, made the remarks yesterday after visiting several development projects in Rulindo District in Northern Rwanda.

They inspected terraces in Rusiga funded by EU, a coffee factory and tree nursery in Bushoki, Rulindo District, as well as tree planting zone in Gakenke District that is supported by the Belgian Technical Cooperation.

The team, on a fact finding mission to assess the effectiveness of aid and the level of development of various projects, commended Rwanda’s initiatives in agriculture, especially terracing and coffee growing.

"It was important for me to get first-hand information, especially on the impact of the money donated, to know exactly what has been achieved, but what we have seen is very impressive. You can see that there has been a difference in human life,’’ said Andris Piebalgs.

Later, the officials visited former combatants who are undergoing a reintegration course at Mutobo Demobilization and reintegration Centre in Musanze District, where they heard testimonies from some of the more than 300 ex-combatants on their experiences ever since they were repatriated. 

Charles Michel appreciated efforts to restore peace in the region, noting that the Mutobo centre signals peace.
"We are greatly impressed by Rwanda’s fight against corruption, and the progress made in the development initiatives. Peace and security are very paramount for development and we commend Rwanda in this regard,’’ said Michel.

In his testimony, Maj. JMV Mpatsumushi, a former military advisor in FDLR, said that his return has brought change in his life, after attaining lessons on unity and reconciliation and business initiatives.

On his part, the chairman of Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, Jean Sayinzoga, explained that the Mutobo centre is a rehabilitation centre for the returnees and enables them to adjust to civilian life.

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