Visit to Mahama Refugee Camp

On 21 and 22 July, Charlotte Helminger, Chargée d’Affaires at the Embassy of Luxembourg, and Bob Junker, Head of Cooperation, visited Mahama refugee camp — the largest refugee camp in Rwanda — home to approximatively 70,000 people, mostly from Burundi and the DRC. The purpose of the mission was to gain a better understanding of the current humanitarian needs and livelihood activities led by our partners in the camp. The Embassy is grateful for the introduction and guidance provided by the MINEMA camp manager Eric Mwizerwa.

Maison Shalom, a long-standing partner of the Luxembourg Development Cooperation, has long been leading income-generating activities to restore the dignity and promote the empowerment of refugees in Mahama. During the visit, the delegation met beneficiaries and visited their training workshops — from cooking and baking to carpentry, computer training, tailoring and agriculture.

The delegation also witnessed the benefits of the recent financial contribution of Luxembourg to WFP’s funding appeal for refugee operations. The contribution of 150.000 EUR supports vital food and nutrition assistance until August. Refugees are nonetheless already struggling to meet their daily caloric food needs as a result of drastic ratio cuts and lack of funding. WFP & partners also work to improve refugee livelihoods and self-reliance through income generating activities like fish farming.

The Embassy looks forward to coming back to Mahama Camp in the near future to support the Inter Camp Tournament taking place in August. Refugees from across Rwanda will come together in Mahama to compete across several disciplines. Beyond sport - a moment that fosters community spirit, protection and social cohesion.