The Rwandan Ambassador to the United Kingdon, Claver Gatete has called upon the Rwandan Diaspora in the UK to come out strongly and help free the country from dependency on foreign aid.

Addressing a social gathering of more than 500 Rwandans in London over the weekend, Gatete said that the Diaspora plays a fundamental role in the economic development through heavy contributions in the form of investments and hard cash flow.

He listed government achievements including economic growth and improved security which have helped in creating an environment suitable for investment.

World-famous Rwandan musician Jean-Paul Samputu and the Brussels based, Ihanika cultural dancers performed at the show organised by the Rwandan Community in the UK.

Emile Murego, the organiser of the event said it was intended to help the community get to know the opportunities back home and how they can help in achieving the country’s development agenda.

The Chairperson of the UK Rwandan Community, Ignatius Mugabo, said the Rwandan Diaspora together with the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) recently established an investment fund by Rwandans living in the Diaspora.

He said the fund, known as the Rwandan Diaspora Mutual Fund (RDMF) adopted by the 2008 Diaspora Retreat in Kigali, is a pool of funds to be created by Rwandans abroad that will help invest in the country through remittances as a way of contributing to national development.

The Foreign affairs ministry estimates that there are about six million Rwandans living abroad – well over half the Rwandan population.

In attendance was Brig. Gen. Frank Rusagara a senior officer in the Rwanda Defence Forces who is a visiting Fellow at Royal United Services Institute in London.

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