Rwanda has donated 1000 metric tonnes of grain to Zimbabwe as part of a wider global response to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appeal for help to mitigate the impact of the El-Nino-induced drought ravaging the country’s over 15 million people.
In April, Mnangagwa declared a nationwide State of Disaster in Zimbabwe due to the severe drought caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon which has triggered a humanitarian crisis across southern Africa. Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Frederick Shava expressed gratitude to President Paul Kagame for the donation during Rwanda’s 30th anniversary of Liberation Day known as Kwibohora 30 in Harare. “
As we celebrate Rwanda’s Liberation Day today, a consignment of 1000 metric tonnes of maize is on its way to Zimbabwe from Kigali,” Shava said.
“We are grateful for the generosity of the President of Rwanda, His Excellency President Paul Kagame, the Government, and people of Rwanda, for this gesture of solidarity. This is the spirit of Ubuntu that Rwanda has demonstrated by responding to the international appeal by His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, in the wake of the El Nino induced drought experienced during the 2023/2024 season.”
Shava said the humanitarian assistance from Rwanda will alleviate effects of the El Nino- induced drought.
“This donation will go a long way in reducing food and nutrition deficit among our affected communities. We will forever remember this generous donation which has come from our dear brothers and sisters from Rwanda.”
Rwanda’s ambassador to Zimbabwe James Musoni said his country and Zimbabwe have now become so close and the donation was a clear statement that Rwanda and Zimbabwe are one people.
“When His Excellency President Mnangagwa made an appeal regarding the hardships brought about by El Nino, his brother, His Excellency Paul Kagame heard it and immediately he has dispatched 1000 metric tonnes of maize in support of his brother and the people of Zimbabwe to cope with this challenge,”Musoni said.
As part of the global response to the humanitarian crisis, Zimbabwe last week received US$31.8 million from the African Risk Capacity ARC an arm of the African Union, in drought relief aid.
Zimbabwe’s Finance minister, Mthuli Ncube received US$16.8 million from ARC, which was complemented by payments to Zimbabwe’s ARC partners, the World Food Programme and Start Network of US$6.1 million and US$8.9 million, respectively.
Ncube said that the drought relief funds will be distributed to approximately 508 435 households in 27 districts across the country. Zimbabwe has received more assistance from various other donors.
Its government has revised its food relief funding appeal from the initial US$2 billion to US$3 billion.
