Kigali-June 6, 2012: Zambian parliamentarians have affirmed their commitment to enhance efforts to implement the Cessation Clause regarding Rwandan Refugees living in Zambia. The pledge was made by Hon. Rev. Lt. General Ronard SHIKAPWASA who leads a delegation of 9 MPS from Zambia, during a dialogue with Hon. Minister General Marcel Gatsinzi and other government officials, held at MIDIMAR headquarters on Wednesday June 6, 2012.

The delegation is composed of MPs who are members of the committee of security and foreign affairs in the parliament of Zambia. They came in Rwandan in order to observe the progress achieved by the Government of Rwanda after the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.

According to SHIKAPWASA, the objective of their trip in Rwanda is to examine positive changes that have occurred in Rwanda so that refugees living in Zambian can be assured with security and safety if they return in their home country.

Zambian MPs affirm that they are overwhelmingly impressed by the development and stability of Rwanda rather than they could imagine.

“It is my first time to arrive in Rwanda. I have been hearing in media talk about the progress in this country but I am really impressed by what I saw with my own eyes.” Disclosed SHIKAPWASA

“I was really impressed by the safety and security in Rwanda, the ICT put in place by President Paul Kagame is commendable in the world. I don’t find any reason for a Rwandan to stay in exile as refugee. I am sure that we will sensitize all Rwandan refugees in Zambia to voluntarily return and those who will delay to return will find that they are left behind.” He emphasized.

Hon.Gen.Marcel GATSINZI and Hon.Rev.Lt Gen.Ronald SHIKAPWASA

interacting during the dialogue at MIDIMAR

Addressing participants in the dialogue, the Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs General Marcel Gatsinzi stressed that Rwanda is ready and prepared to receive all Rwandan refugees who opt for voluntary repatriation. He emphasized that repatriation is a voluntary decision but what the government needs is that no Rwandan should keep refugee status as all circumstances which led to massive exile have ceased.

“We cordially appreciate the initiative of the Zambian parliamentarians to come in Rwanda to see, themselves, the situation on the ground.  We believe that this trip will generate fruits since this delegation shall disseminate the true image of Rwanda.” Said Gatsinzi.

 Hon.Gen.Marcel GATSINZI giving a souvenir to Hon.Rev.Lt Gen.Ronald SHIKAPWASA

“What we need from the Government of Zambia is to ensure effectively the implementation of the Cessation Clause by either sensitizing Rwandan refugees to voluntary return, come in Rwanda to acquire citizenship and official documents allowing them to stay and work abroad or accord them local integration in host country.” The Minister stressed.

The trip of Zambian Mps happens while the Cessation Clause is coming into effect next year on June 30, 2013. The resolution of the UNCHR to invoke the Cessation Clause slated refugees who fled Rwanda between 1959 and December 1998 to be concerned by the decision.

So far 217 Rwandan refugees have repatriated from Zambia since 1994 including 20 of them who returned this year.

About 6000 Rwandan refugees are estimated to be still hosted in Zambia.