Zimbabwe has received a substantial donation of 1,000 metric tonnes of mealie meal from Rwanda to help mitigate the effects of the El Niño-induced drought, which has severely impacted the country’s food security. The consignment was delivered in response to a call for assistance from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who declared the 2023-24 summer cropping season a state of disaster due to the drought’s devastating impact.
The donation was officially handed over in Harare on Thursday by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency James Musoni. During the handover ceremony, Musoni emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe during this critical period, stressing the importance of solidarity among African nations.
“After Zimbabwe made a plea for assistance, the President of Rwanda responded. As African countries, we have to stand together during good and difficult times,” said Musoni. “The cooperation between our two countries is strong, and we have signed several memorandums of understanding (MOUs), which highlight the strength of our relationship. We remain committed to working with Zimbabwe and to assisting in any way possible.”
President Mnangagwa’s appeal for food support came amid growing concerns over the severe impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has led to prolonged dry spells, reduced crop yields, and increased food insecurity across Zimbabwe. The donation from Rwanda is expected to provide relief to many communities affected by the drought.
The gesture marks another chapter in the growing ties between Zimbabwe and Rwanda, which have strengthened in recent years through various bilateral agreements and collaborations. As both nations continue to face challenges brought about by climate change, this act of solidarity is a testament to the importance of regional cooperation in addressing common hardship
