The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced on 19 October 2026 that Minister Nduhungirehe attended the 20th Ordinary Session of the Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee (RIMC) of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, held in Zambia. This meeting, opened by H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, underscores Rwanda’s ongoing participation in efforts to advance peace, security, and stability across the Great Lakes Region. The purpose of this engagement, as evidenced by the subsequent bilateral meeting, is to prepare for the upcoming Joint Permanent Commission scheduled for 2027. — the full statement has further detail.
Background
The Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee (RIMC) is a key body within the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). The ICGLR itself is a regional intergovernmental organization committed to promoting peace, security, and sustainable development in the countries of the Great Lakes region – Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda. The 20th Ordinary Session of the RIMC represents a recurring forum for member states to review regional developments and coordinate joint efforts, a pattern established by prior meetings and initiatives, including visits by Minister Nduhungirehe to Mali, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ukraine, as detailed in subsequent Ministry announcements.
Analysis
Minister Nduhungirehe’s attendance at the RIMC signals a continued commitment from Rwanda to regional stability initiatives. The bilateral meeting with Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, specifically focuses on strengthening bilateral relations, a recurring theme in Rwanda’s foreign policy. The preparation for the Joint Permanent Commission scheduled for 2027 suggests a deliberate, long-term strategy. This approach is consistent with recent diplomatic activity, including meetings with Ukrainian Members of Parliament and the UN Personal Envoy regarding peace efforts in Sudan, and discussions with Kenyan and Senegalese counterparts on strengthening bilateral cooperation. The stated focus on “peace, security and stability” indicates a prioritization of regional security concerns, given the ongoing instability within the Great Lakes region. The statement does not address the potential economic implications of this engagement, nor does it mention Rwanda’s involvement in mineral extraction within the region.
Implications
The engagement with Zambia holds implications for regional security dynamics. Should the Joint Permanent Commission yield substantive progress on stability issues, it could bolster Rwanda’s influence within the ICGLR. The preparation for this commission, scheduled for 2027, suggests a sustained commitment to fostering cooperation. Furthermore, the bilateral discussions with Hon. Mulambo Haimbe could provide an avenue for addressing shared security concerns, particularly in the context of regional conflicts. The activities do not directly address trade or security implications, nor does the statement address Rwanda’s role in regional peacekeeping operations.
Outlook
If the Joint Permanent Commission achieves measurable progress in stabilizing the Great Lakes Region, this would represent a positive outcome for Rwanda’s foreign policy objectives. Should the discussions with Zambia result in a detailed action plan for the 2027 commission, it would demonstrate a commitment to translating dialogue into concrete steps. However, given the complexities of the region, the success of the commission remains conditional on the willingness of all parties involved to engage constructively. This suggests a cautious approach, prioritizing diplomatic engagement over forceful intervention.
Conclusion
The ongoing diplomatic activity surrounding Minister Nduhungirehe’s engagements with regional partners highlights a sustained focus on stability within the Great Lakes Region. The precise nature of the discussions and the outcomes of the Joint Permanent Commission will determine the long-term significance of this diplomatic effort, particularly regarding Rwanda’s role in the region’s future.
