Rwanda Donates 1,000 Tons of Maize to Drought-Stricken Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has revised its food relief funding appeal from $2 billion to $3 billion due to the extent of the crisis.
HARARE, Zimbabwe— Rwanda has donated 1,000 metric tons of maize to Zimbabwe as part of a global response to the country's appeal for aid following an El Niño-induced drought, writes Kelvin Jakachira.
Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs Minister Frederick Shava announced the donation Thursday during Rwanda's 30th Liberation Day celebration in Harare.
The drought has left over half of Zimbabwe's 15 million people food-insecure for the 2024-2025 season.
"As we celebrate Rwanda's Liberation Day today, a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of maize is on its way to Zimbabwe from Kigali," Shava said.
He expressed gratitude to Rwandan President Paul Kagame, calling the donation a "gesture of solidarity" and "the spirit of Ubuntu."
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a nationwide state of disaster in April due to the severe drought.
James Musoni, Rwanda's ambassador to Zimbabwe, said the donation demonstrates the close relationship between the two countries.
"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 dispatched 1,000 metric tonnes of maize," Musoni said.
This aid comes as part of a broader international response. Last week, Zimbabwe received $31.8 million from the African Risk Capacity, an African Union agency, for drought relief.
The funds will support about 508,435 households in 27 districts.
Zimbabwe has revised its food relief funding appeal from $2 billion to $3 billion due to the extent of the crisis.
During the Liberation Day event, both countries' officials praised the strong bilateral ties. Shava commended Rwanda's progress since the 1994 genocide, highlighting the country's "strength, resilience, and unity."
Ambassador Musoni emphasized Rwanda's transformation, describing it as "a story of tenacity and fortitude, of forgiveness and tolerance, of hard work and constant innovation."
The two nations have signed over 26 memorandums of understanding covering various sectors including education, energy, justice, and economic cooperation.