"Don't be swayed by those who are into senseless speeches. Just do your work as you know how to. I think it's a general problem we have, Rwandans like talking more than doing. Some [leaders] are filled with pride and delegate their work to others, only to stay behind in offices without doing a follow-up,” was President Kagame’s advice to the newly sworn-in Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore.
Rwanda stands at a significant juncture in its transformational journey. As President Paul Kagame once passionately asserted, "We have dared to imagine a new Rwanda." This profound vision has propelled our nation forward, inspiring remarkable progress. Yet, even as we celebrate our achievements, we find ourselves confronted by a complex array of challenges that demand a comprehensive reevaluation of our approach to governance. At the heart of this reevaluation lies a crucial question: As we tackle these challenges, are we responding with the urgency and relatability demanded by our circumstances?
The Evolving Landscape of Rwandan Governance
Our nation's operating environment is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Globally, we navigate a sea of uncertainty, while domestically, our economy matures, our demographics shift, and technology, especially the pervasive influence of social media, reshapes the dynamics of our society.
President Kagame's vision of "a new Rwanda" is intrinsically linked to the evolving landscape of governance. Social media, in particular, has fundamentally altered this landscape, providing a platform where minority voices can wield significant influence. The democratization of information dissemination has blurred the lines between traditional sources of authority and emerging perspectives.
Within this context, the pivotal role of politics and policy in effective governance becomes apparent. Because if governance cannot resolve the issues of the day, people will resort to alternative ways. The instinct will therefore be to recede to the rule of the jungle.
Politics: Navigating the Realm of Public Perception
In the realm of governance, politics plays a multifaceted role. Our political leaders are tasked with a profound responsibility – securing the mandate of the people, interpreting the public mood, setting the strategic direction for our nation, and persuading citizens on this path, even when it involves advocating for potentially unpopular policies.
Former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, once remarked, "The standard of a good public service must be kept high by the political leadership. The moment the political leadership stops attaching supreme importance to recruiting the right people and promoting them on merit, we will then have a problem." His words remind us of the critical link between political leadership and maintaining high standards within the public service. Thankfully, Rwanda has no shortage of brilliant men and women within its ranks. In fact, according to a 2022 report by the Brookings Institution, Rwanda has the highest number of Ivy League and PhD holders in any African government. This is a great feat. But only in as far as service delivery and uplifting the welfare of Rwandans is concerned. They must have a total commitment to Rwanda and Rwandans.
You see, policies do not emerge in a vacuum; they exist within a political context. In a deeply divided or politically fractious climate, even the most capable public service may find it challenging to launch major policy initiatives, set new directions, or mobilize the population to respond to pressing challenges. The synergy between political leadership and effective governance is evident in Rwanda's ability to sustain long-term policies and investments, such as addressing climate change, and its commitment to sound financial management.
However, the importance of politics extends beyond mere policy direction. Effective governance also necessitates that our political leaders remain connected to the realities of our citizens' lives, ensuring that policy decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the Rwandan people. As we tackle the intricacies of governance, the active engagement of our political leaders, moving beyond the role of passive observers, is imperative as the President rightly advised.
Policy: The Blueprint for Progress
Policies are the blueprints that guide our nation's progress. They are born from the strategic vision set by our political leaders and are meticulously crafted to address the unique challenges of our society. In Rwanda, our policymakers, including ministers and the broader Cabinet, must never be allowed to be distant figures that provide mere strategic guidance; they must be hands-on leaders actively involved in policy development, exploring alternatives, proposing solutions, and making final decisions. The effectiveness of our policies hinges on their mastery of their portfolios and their commitment to public service. The reason is because Rwanda’s policies are derived from the careful rational analysis of options and consequences against the fundamentals of ensuring our economic viability, competitiveness, and well-being.
As former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once said, "Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides." Her words remind us of the need for bold and decisive policy action. Rwanda's collaborative approach between political leaders and public service leaders ensures that policies are not dictated from the top; instead, they emerge through an intricate dance of discussion and collaboration, where the best ideas, rather than hierarchy, guide the decision-making process.
Conclusion
The role of politics and policy in effective governance within Rwanda's context is both complex and pivotal. Our nation's progress depends on the harmonious interaction between these two spheres. Politics sets the strategic direction and interprets the will of the people, while policies provide the actionable blueprints for achieving our goals.
As we move forward, it is essential that our political leaders remain engaged and deeply connected to the realities faced by our citizens. Effective governance necessitates more than just the articulation of policy; it requires the active involvement of our leaders, who must be willing to roll up their sleeves and immerse themselves in the intricacies of governance.
Rwanda's journey of transformation is ongoing, and it is through the careful balance of politics and policy, rooted in President Kagame's vision of "a new Rwanda," that we can continue to build a brighter future for our nation and its citizens. In this endeavor, the commitment to effective governance will be our guiding light, ensuring that the role of politics and policy remains synonymous with progress and prosperity.
The writer is commentator on political and economic matters.