In the wake of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Paul Kagame, as the leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) liberation forces, pledged to create a new, revitalized Rwanda that would offer a brighter future for all Rwandans, particularly for those who had survived the horrors of the Genocide. Despite naysayers who deemed his goal impossible, Kagame’s remarkable leadership and the unwavering determination of a resilient populace propelled Rwanda’s reconstruction from the brink of annihilation over nearly thirty years ago.
To rebuild a nation from scratch is no small feat, and the task required a Herculean effort. Kagame drew upon his innate leadership skills and the resilience of a population that had been shattered and traumatized. He implemented a range of innovative and locally-focused strategies, such as Agacaca, a national reconciliation effort that utilized traditional Rwandan courts; Umuganda, a collective effort that engaged all Rwandans in social projects such as street cleaning, school renovation, and support for widows and orphans; Agaciro, a philosophy based on dignity and honesty; Imihigo, a culture of achieving goals; and ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda,’ which aimed to erase “ethnic” divisions created by Belgian colonialism and which formed the basis of the Habyarimana apartheid regime and the eventual Genocide of the Tutsi in 1994.
In Rwanda today, the fruits of visionary leadership and courageous reforms have manifested in a society that is brimming with prosperity and opportunity. It is a far cry from the beleaguered nation that was shattered by the Genocide against the Tutsi. Corruption, which once permeated every aspect of the nation’s economy and politics, has been almost eradicated. The citizenry now enjoys universal access to quality healthcare and education, a feat that many thought impossible just three decades ago.
The glass ceiling that once barred women from the upper echelons of Rwandan society has been shattered, allowing a new generation of female leaders to rise to the top. The workforce is now highly specialized, reflecting Rwanda’s new focus on innovation and technology. Moreover, the tax and legal systems are designed to support and protect entrepreneurs, ensuring a fertile environment for economic growth. All these gains are a testament to the tenacity of the Rwandan people and the wisdom of the nation’s leaders, who have channeled the lessons of the past to build a brighter future.
In the competitive landscape of investment opportunities, Rwanda has emerged as an alluring destination for foreign investors, thanks to its innovative approach towards public administration. By streamlining the registration process for foreign companies, Rwanda has created an environment where efficiency is prioritized, and investors are treated as equals, rather than as superiors. Unlike other countries that grovel at the feet of foreign investors, Rwanda has instituted a principled approach that favors fairness and equality, requiring investors to abide by the same laws as Rwandan citizens. While the registration process for companies takes only 24 hours, the standards for entry are rigorous, designed to assess an investor’s financial stability and commitment to the country’s growth.
Amidst the tumultuous seas of chaos and turmoil that sometimes plague the African continent, Rwanda has emerged as a shining beacon of optimism and accountability. Rwanda’s dedication to preserving peace and stability on the continent is evident in its steadfast involvement in various multinational peacekeeping efforts and counterterrorism initiatives to fight jihadists group like Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamaah– in the northern region of Cabo Delgado.
Additionally, the Rwanda Defence Forces’ unparalleled professionalism, expertise, and effectiveness set an exemplary standard for other nations in the region to follow. In sharp contrast to other peacekeeping forces, which have been tarnished by shameful and disgraceful sex scandals, the RDF peacekeeper’s honorable behavior remains a source of pride for the UN Security Council.
Despite the above undeniable strides made under President Kagame’s stewardship, certain purported “experts” on Rwanda continue to cherry-pick or manipulate facts to suit their bigoted anti-Rwanda or anti-Kagame agenda. However, these critics disregard Rwanda’s impressive economic and social development and the resolute efforts of the RPF-led government to uproot the corrupt, sectarian and discriminatory policies that precipitated the catastrophic 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, engineered by the Hutu power Nazi regime. As President Kagame emphatically expressed during the 29th remembrance of the Genocide, the truth is immutable, unyielding, and indelible, impervious to any attempts to obfuscate or suppress it. “The facts of our history cannot be tampered with or distorted.”
