KIGALI - The Swedish International Development Corporation Agency (SIDA) yesterday signed an agreement with the Government which will see Sweden provide 30 million Swedish Kroner, equivalent to Rwf2.34bn to support the 3rd Phase of the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Programme.

The agreement was signed yesterday between the Minister of Finance John Rwangombwa and the SIDA Country Director Richard Bombom. The funds will be channelled through the Multi-Donor Trust Fund administered by the World Bank.

The money funds activities aimed at consolidating peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region through the completion of the demobilization, reinsertion, and reintegration process for the remaining Rwandan armed groups.

According to Finance Minister Rwangombwa, the Swedish contribution will supplement government efforts to maintain capacity required to implement the RDRP 3rd Phase which is ending in 2012.

An estimated 5,500 members of armed groups and up to 10,000 of their dependants as well as 4000 members of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) will benefit from the programme.

"This is line with the bigger vision of the government of ensuring regional stability, which is one of the key pillars of our Vision 2020 and EDPRS. Without security you can’t talk of development.”

"So this is going to help us create an environment that ensures security to investors and security of our people to plan for their lives and families without any security fears,” Rwangombwa said.

SIDA Country Chief said that the Swedish Government recognises Rwanda’s demobilisation programmes and is ready to continue backing the activities of RDRP and helping ex-combatants move ahead with their own social and economic reintegration.

"We expect a lot from Rwanda. We know that this country has achieved so much and we believe that there is a potential for even more.”

"We believe that cooperation should be built on a strong foundation, on mutual friendship, trust and commitment----we will continue to work together in many other areas including good governance,” Bomboma.

The RDRP Phase III reintegrates ex-combatants and armed groups by helping integrate back in the society through different income generating projects and providing them housing.

Ends