The Rwandan community in Cote d’Ivoire last week gathered in the capital Abidjan to form the first Rwandan Diaspora Association in the West African country, electing the association leadership too.

A statement says the association was boosted by new membership of Rwandans working in the African Development Bank whose headquarters are in Abidjan.

During his inaugural address, the elected association president, Jean Pierre Mutsinzi, said his leadership will embark on mobilising Rwandans in Cote d’Ivoire to participate in national programmes.

"We should work toward promoting our country. We should not wait for Kigali to come and mobilise us. We should always endeavour to fly the Rwandan flag high,” Mutsinzi said.

Based on the mandate of the association protocol, Mutsinzi’s primary agenda will be to mobilise all Rwandans and promote unity within the Rwandan community in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Rwandan community in Cote d’Ivoire includes those living and working in the country, mainly employees of International organisations and their families, Rwandan Police Officers attached to the UN Mission there, private businesses, Rwandans married to Ivorians, students and clerics.

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