Administrator Samantha Power Meets with Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Rebecca Chalif:‎

On April 1, 2022, Administrator Samantha Power met with Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Vincent Biruta to discuss the development partnership that the U.S. and Rwanda have built over the last few decades. The two discussed efforts to combat COVID-19, on which Rwanda has made tremendous progress, fully vaccinating 62% of its people, as well as opportunities to further cooperate on addressing climate change and food security. Administrator Power reinforced the U.S. government’s concerns over Rwanda’s slow progress in promoting respect for human rights for all of its citizens. 

She also expressed strong concern over the conviction of U.S. lawful permanent resident Paul Rusesabagina and the negative impact of Rusesabagina’s case on Rwanda’s relationship with the United States. Administrator Power and Foreign Minister Biruta concluded with a discussion of regional security challenges, including the enduring threat of armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the threat posed by the Islamic State in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.