Washington DC- A delegation from the seventh cohort of U.S. congressional staff traveled to Rwanda from January 24 to 29, 2026, where they received in-depth briefings on the country’s socio-economic progress and its journey of recovery and reconciliation following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The visit was organized under the Rwanda Visit Program, an initiative aimed at deepening understanding of Rwanda’s transformation and nation-building experience.
During their stay, the visiting staff members were welcomed by Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Discussions centered on reinforcing ties between Rwanda and the United States, with an emphasis on expanding cooperation across diplomacy, development, and governance. The meetings also allowed for exchanges on Rwanda’s governance reforms, economic priorities, and long-term strategies for sustainable development more than three decades after the genocide.
The Rwanda Visit Program is structured to provide U.S. congressional staff with direct exposure to Rwanda’s political institutions and development model. Through policy discussions, site visits, and engagements with government leaders and communities, participants gain first-hand insight into how post-conflict recovery, reconciliation, and inclusive growth have been pursued as pillars of national unity and stability.
As part of the broader engagement program, the delegation visited the Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre in Musanze District on Friday. At the center, the staffers met former fighters of the FDLR militia who voluntarily returned to Rwanda and renounced armed activity. The group, active in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, is composed of remnants linked to perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
Officials from the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission presented the country’s approach to disarmament, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. Delegation members listened to personal testimonies from former combatants who have chosen peaceful civilian life, highlighting Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen security, unity, and regional stability across the Great Lakes region.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation during the Mutobo visit, Nick Hawatmeh praised Rwanda’s commitment to national cohesion and reconciliation. He commended the initiatives aimed at sustaining peace and fostering a shared sense of purpose among citizens.
“We deeply value the work being done to keep Rwandans united and moving forward together,” Hawatmeh said. “These efforts are vital for long-term peace and stability.”
Launched in 2022 under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act, the Rwanda Visit Program has since welcomed multiple groups of U.S. congressional staff. It continues to serve as a key platform for promoting mutual understanding, policy dialogue, and enduring cooperation between Rwanda and the United States.
