The civil society can play a bigger role in governance in the country, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Tom Malinowski, said yesterday.

He made the remarks yesterday after holding discussions with Prof. Anastase Shyaka, chief executive officer of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and other government officials.

The discussion centered on the role of the civil society in the development of Rwanda, capacity building, media freedom and broader dynamics in the region.

The meeting that took place at RGB head offices in Remera, was also attended by visiting official, Special Assistant Rodney Hunter, Great Lakes Desk Officer, Jennifer Mills and the United States Ambassador to Rwanda Erica J. Barks-Ruggles.

In his remarks, Malinowski applauded the role the civil society has played so far since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

"We had very good discussions with the governance board and Ministry of Justice about the development of political pluralism in Rwanda and about the role of civil society in building a stronger and more successful country. Civil society has played a good role in building on the achievements so far now they have to find a way to make these achievements sustainable in the future,” Malinowski told journalists after the meeting.

Prof. Shyaka, said they also discussed existing ties between the two countries in view of the differences in regard to governance structures.

"In Rwanda, our politics are based on consensus building for national development while in the US; it’s all about the battle of politicians, who all see things differently in regards to what is best for the country. We discussed these differences too but we also agreed that these differences shouldn’t stop us from maintaining our relations,” Prof. Shyaka said.

Prof. Shyaka also added that they looked at the positive contribution of civil societies and their achievements, including the media in Rwanda in relation to the review of laws governing the sector.

He said, they appreciated the fact that the media now operates freely and more media outlets are being opened across the country.

"They appreciated how the country is governed and how it’s achieving its set targets. We agreed to always have such discussions because it gives them a platform to understand our country. We also agreed that we all believe in the basic fundamental principles of democracy but depending on the country, things change according to how beneficial existing structures are set,” he added.

"They also realised that both countries share some things in common but they also have differences which should not stop both countries from having developmental relations.”

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