FAO Rwanda staff members posing with the outgoing Representative during the farewell party,

With mixed feelings, staff members of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) bid farewell to the outgoing Representative, Gualbert Gbehounou. Mr. Gbehounou leaves Rwanda for Guinea Conakry after almost four years of working with the team to implement the Country Programme, that aim at unleashing the potential of Rwanda farmers and promoting the agriculture sector to end hunger.  

“I truly want to thank you very much for your support. I could not achieve anything without you. When I come to Rwanda, one of the things I was told about you was that you are a strong, dedicated, and committed team. The important first assignment was to make sure that I foster that teamwork spirit. And I believe I tried my best to do that. Always cherish the spirit and never let it go away, you will achieve many more milestones” FAO Representative in Rwanda, Mr. Gualbert Gbehounou said:  “if you want to go far always go together” he added.

Staff members who took the floor during the farewell party appreciated the strategic support and visionary leadership of the outgoing Representative, which they said were always accompanied by a great sense of humanity and humility.

“With you, we registered many milestones that advance the agriculture sector in Rwanda, fostering our 4 betters “Better production, Better nutrition, Better environment, and a Better life for all Leaving no One Behind. We wish you all the best in your next assignment in Conakry. I know Guinea and I think we might initiate some South-South Cooperation initiatives, especially in Crop production and Livestock” said Otto Vianney Muhinda, Assistant FAO Representative/ Programme.

“Among many good memories, I will cherish forever they are three things that I will not forget about our Representative. Patience, humility, and humanity. He is a leader who always calms an intense situation and patiently finds a solution that is full of humanity and removes all impediments to the projects we have at hand” Alexis Ruzigana, Assistant FAO Representative in charge of Administration said.

With the concurrence of the Government of the Republic of Rwanda, Gualbert Gbehounou has been appointed FAO Representative in Rwanda, effective 21 June 2018.Hecame to Rwanda from FAO headquarters, Rome, where he has been serving as Agricultural Officer in Agriculture and Consumer Protection Division (AGP) being also part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme Management Team (SP2). FAO Representation in Rwanda is a fully-fledged office since 11 July 1985.