Honourable Brigitte Mabandla, Member of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons and Lead Panel Member for Rwanda, undertook an Advance Mission to Rwanda from 21 to 23 December 2015. The objectives of the mission were to reinvigorate the APRM process, introduce Hon. Mabandla to the governance institutions in Rwanda, and pave the way for discussions on a road map for a second APRM review of the country. The Mission was accompanied by Ambassador Fatuma Ndangiza, Member and Former Chairperson of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons.

The Advance Mission covered several events including the 13th National Dialogue, a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Rwanda, as well as meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Local Government, Agriculture, and Finance and Economic Planning. The Mission also met with Members of Parliament, Representatives of Civil Society Organizations and the Private Sector Federation, and visited the Gisozi Genocide Memorial.

The 13th National Dialogue, convened under the theme “Rwandans’ Choices – Foundation for National Development and Dignity”, took place in Kigali from 21 to 23 December 2015. Popularly known as Umushyikirano, the National Dialogue is a platform for Rwandans to deliberate on imminent issues of common concern, reflect on the country’s state of governance, and share ideas on ways to resolve challenges.

Following the Dialogue sessions that lasted for 3 days, Hon. Mabandla held discussions with H.E. President Paul Kagame on ways and means of strengthening the APRM. It was noted that the National Dialogue and other local initiatives, such as women empowerment, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Infrastructure Development, and performance contracts with Mayors, affirm Rwanda’s commitment to implementing governance reforms, as recommended in the APRM National Programme of Action (NPOA). Honourable Mabandla observed that it would be advisable to communicate these initiatives to other Member States in the framework of sharing commendable practices within the APRM.