Press Releases

U.S. European Command deputy visits Rwanda

RWANDA, Africa — Army Gen. William E. “Kip” Ward, U.S. European Command deputy met with Ambassador Michael R. Arietti, U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda; Rwandan President Kagame; Gen. Gatsinzi, the Rwandan Minister of Defense, and their delegations here Feb. 28-March 1, 2007.  

The two-day visit included meetings with Rwandan Defense Forces leadership and a tour of the Gako Training Academy, where Rwandan forces train for peacekeeping missions in Sudan.

The purpose of the visit was to build a relationship with country leaders, develop an understanding of Rwandan senior leadership views on U.S. relations and to discuss future progress in East Africa.

During the trip, the EUCOM delegation also participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Gisozi Genocide Memorial to acknowledge the loss of the Rwandan people during the 1994 genocide.

“We extend our deepest condolences for the loss of the Rwandans,” Ward said.  “This nation has an active role in maintaining security and stability for the region and we congratulate the Rwandan leadership and population for their dedication to working out from under the shadow of such atrocities.”

During Ward’s visit with the Rwandan president, he thanked Kagame for the nation’s leadership in peacekeeping, regional stability and the fight against HIV/AIDS. “We encourage your support for continued U.S.-Rwandan bilateral military engagements,” Ward said.

In addition to his Rwandan trip, Ward and his delegation are also visiting key leaders in Burundi, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda.