The city of Castres and the district of Huye are looking to revitalize their twinning relationship. The president of the French twinning committee Castres-Huye, Christine Marion, discussed with the mayor of Huye, Ange Sebutege, the situation of this cooperation on Tuesday 12 October 2021.
The Castres-Huye twinning has had its ups and downs following the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in 1994. The activities have also fluctuated with the rhythm of relations between the two countries, France and Rwanda. But today, the conditions are right to revitalize the Castres-Huye twinning.
An ambassador is in place. The president of the French twinning committee Castres-Huye, Christine Marion, has just discussed with the mayor of Huye, Ange Sebutege, the situation of the relations between the two administrative entities. The intention is to go further.
“Due to the problems between the two countries, the twinning committees have not worked as they should,” says Joseph Kagabo, president of the Castres-Huye Rwandan twinning committee. “We have a project approval body. It has not met for some time,” he regrets. “We want to put special emphasis on tangible actions,” he reveals.
The Castres-Huye Rwandan Twinning Committee hopes to work closely with the French Embassy to strengthen this cooperation. “We have benefited from a visit from the French Embassy. We will now work with them,” promises Joseph Kagabo. Ambassador Antoine Anfré is giving a new impetus to the French intervention in Rwanda.
Some achievements of the 35-year-old cooperation
The achievements revolve around reciprocal visits and conviviality between the two parties. Castres is involved in apprenticeships for young people. Carpentry, animal husbandry and welding constitute the main part of this support in this sector. It provides easy access to employment. Castres also supports beekeeping. This project generates income. And the internet network has been strengthened. This automatically creates opportunities for young people.
In the cultural sector, a project to build a media library will introduce children to the culture of reading.
Towards the end of November, the annual science festival is planned in Castres and Huye. The laboratories in the schools will be visited with a special focus on innovation.
For its part, Huye supervises French students. They come to Rwanda for their medical internship. It produces works of art with the “imigongo” sculpture as part of the exchanges.
The two communes of France (Castres) and Rwanda (Huye) signed the friendship and cooperation protocol on 31 May 1986. The mission of this twinning is to implement development aid actions. It encourages exchanges and partnerships between the populations of Castres and Huye. Solidarity is the result of the give and take between the two districts. The promotion of Franco-Rwandanculture also has its place in this friendly relationship.
Gérard Rugambwa
