Rwanda

The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Rwanda in 1962, following its independence from a Belgian-administered trusteeship. From 1990 to 1994, the country experienced civil war and genocide. The U.S. seeks to help Rwanda meet the needs of its population, including increased social cohesion in a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Rwanda that provides good governance and an enabling environment for private sector-led growth. The U.S. supports Rwandan efforts to increase democratic participation, enhance respect for civil and political rights, build capacity of its peacekeeping forces, grow its economy, and improve the quality and outcomes of health care and basic education. Rwanda is one of the world’s poorest countries, but it has made progress in developing national and local government institutions, economic development, maintaining security, promoting reconciliation, achieving Millennium Development Goals, and strengthening the justice system.