Visit in Kigeme refugee camp and Rwandan returnees settlement in Nyamasheke (6th and 7th March, 2014)

Photos: ©UNICEFRwanda/2014

(Left: Inauguration ceremony of the Early Child Development Center in Kigeme camp, Right: Ambassador and Mrs. Ogawa in the ECD Center)

Ambassador Ogawa and his spouse visited the Kigeme refugee camp in Nyamagabe district. The camp is home to about 18,300 Congolese refugees who fled into Rwanda due to war and insecurity situation in eastern DRC. The Government of Japan contributed 5.9 million USD to One UN including UNHCR, UNICEF and WFP to assist the refugees. The contribution is aimed at various activities such as hygiene, education and environmental protection. Ambassador also announced a new contribution of Japanese Government of 3.1 million USD through UNHCR and WFP to take care of newly arriving refugees.

Photos: ©UNICEFRwanda/2014

(Left: Children in the camp, Right: Ambassador being welcomed by refugees in the camp)

Photo: @UNHCR/E.Fitzpatrick

(Handing over education materials to the Minister)

During Ambassador’s visit in the camp, an inauguration ceremony of the Early Child Development Center took place. In his remarks, Ambassador said that Japan will keep contributing to “the consolidation of peace” which was adopted during the course of the TICAD process. Moreover, he urged for a speedy stabilization in eastern DRC owing to all regional efforts so that the refugees can go back home and live peacefully. Although the operation for the refugees should be temporary, it is important to note that the various activities for refugees in education and health will play fundamental role for their future lives after they return home. The Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, Hon. Mukantabana, also made an address and expressed her sincere gratitude to Japan’s contribution to refugees in Rwanda.

（Left: Houses for the returnees in Nyamasheke, Right: Ambassador Ogawa visiting the village for the returnees in Nyamasheke）

(Left: Ambassador visiting a cowshed for the village, Right: A water station in the village)


On 7th March, Ambassador visited the settlement for Rwandan returnees in Nyamasheke, Western Province. Through the Rwanda Red Cross Society, Japan contributed 400,000 USD for returnees to build houses, to provide livestock for their income generating activities and to extend community water line. During the visit to the site, Ambassador was pleased to see that the returnees are living peacefully. Mr. Karamaga, Secretary General of Rwanda Red Cross Society said that thanks to both the Government of Japan and Rwanda, the returnees could receive land, houses which has improved their living condition.

Article in "The New Times"