Diaspora vow to act as Rwanda’s ambassadors

After completing a two-week country familiarization tour, members of the Diaspora, Wednesday spelt out seven resolutions that include correcting the falsehoods that are peddled about Rwanda.

Friday, December 31, 2010
Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo opening the Bye Bye Nyakatsi expo organised by Diaspora Group. They have pledged to be ambassadors in their respective countries (File Photo)

After completing a two-week country familiarization tour, members of the Diaspora, Wednesday spelt out seven resolutions that include correcting the falsehoods that are peddled about Rwanda.

The group is in the country as part of the "come and see” programme organized by the government to facilitate members of the Rwandan Diaspora to witness firsthand the remarkable progress the country has registered and understand the vision of Rwanda.

"We have resolved to go back and mobilize Rwandans to unite and cooperate in the development of our country,” said Jean Pierre Mabenga, from Belgium.

Mabenga said the group will call upon others who haven’t been to the country to come and see for themselves, adding that the Rwandan diplomatic missions abroad should help set up outreach efforts for the Diaspora communities globally.

The group also called for the reinforcement of the Diaspora General Directorate (DGD) in the Foreign Ministry to offer better services of coordinating Rwandans overseas.

Diaspora members also attended the just concluded eighth national dialogue, the Diaspora retreat, as well as the "Bye bye Nyakatsi” Expo. They extended special gratitude to President Paul Kagame for the plans he has for the country.
During one of the sessions, an emotional Aimable Ngab’Itsinze, also from Belgium said that he was sad that he had not previously played a key role in the country’s development.

"However, we all know, as it is often said that ‘it is better late than never’ – we are now ready to work together with other Rwandans to build our country,” Ngab’Itsinze said.
"I have witnessed how good the country and the people are– it gives me a feeling of confidence and pride”.

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