The aftermath of the Genocide Against the Tutsi left Rwanda in a state of devastation. Over a million people had been killed in just 100 days, and the country was in ruins. The social fabric was torn apart, with deep-seated mistrust and trauma pervasive among the population.

Infrastructure was destroyed, and the economy was in tatters. The country faced the daunting task of rebuilding not just its physical structures but also its national identity and social cohesion.

The newly formed Government of National Unity on July 19, 1994— was tasked with the monumental challenge of rebuilding a shattered nation. Rwanda began a new chapter in its history. President Paul Kagame, who was sworn in as Rwanda’s Vice-President on that fateful day, delivered a speech that laid out his vision for Rwanda's future.

In his speech, he acknowledged the difficult journey ahead, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation to rebuild the nation.

President Kagame's speech was a call to action for all Rwandans to rise above their differences and work together towards a common goal: the reconstruction and development of their nation. The speech articulated a vision that went beyond mere reconstruction.

He spoke of the need for Rwandans to come together, shedding the divisive ideologies that had led to the genocide. He envisioned a government to lead Rwanda "...along the path of its development. A path that will bring Rwandans together, so that the country can once again become Rwandans, with all their liberties, and feel that no Rwandan has the right to deprive other Rwandans of their rights.”

Thirty years later, Kagame’s words have become a guiding philosophy that has transformed Rwanda from a place of despair to one of remarkable resilience and progress. His vision was about rebuilding the very essence of what it meant to be Rwandan.

This meant creating a society based on justice, equality, and inclusivity. Kagame’s call for unity was a rejection of the genocidal ideology that had torn the country apart, and a commitment to building a nation where all Rwandans could live in peace and harmony.

He emphasized that the task of rebuilding Rwanda was far from complete and that it required the collective effort of all Rwandans— emphasizing the importance of avoiding complacency: "If we look at what we Rwandans have gone through and where we are heading, I feel no-one should deceive themselves by saying that we have completed the task," he said. This statement underscored the enormity of the challenge ahead and the need for sustained effort and unity.

Apart from shunning self-satisfaction, Kagame advocated the ending of impunity in a country that had experienced recurrent genocides, with perpetrators often being celebrated as national heroes. In a message to genocidal forces he referred to as "those who want to throw us back into the situation from which we have emerged” he said, "the forces are still here to reject them, fight them and defeat them.”

But, he added: "they still have a place in Rwanda and that we have a duty to teach them or to punish them if necessary.” This emphasis on accountability was crucial in ensuring that the cycle of violence and impunity would not continue. It was a call for a break from the past, where those who committed atrocities were often glorified, perpetuating a culture of impunity.

The philosophy of development

President Kagame’s 30 years old speech has evolved into a comprehensive philosophy of post-genocide development. This philosophy is grounded in realism and practicality, focusing on creating tangible improvements in the lives of Rwandans. It is not based on abstract or eschatological promises, but on concrete actions and policies that have transformed Rwanda into one of Africa’s success stories.

One of the cornerstones of Kagame’s vision has been economic development. Under his leadership, Rwanda has made significant strides in rebuilding its economy. The country has achieved impressive economic growth, averaging around 7-8% annually over the past two decades. This growth has been driven by investments in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and information and communication technology (ICT).

Kagame’s government has implemented a series of reforms aimed at creating a conducive environment for business and investment. These reforms have included improving infrastructure, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and fighting corruption.

As a result, Rwanda has consistently ranked as one of the top performers in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index. The country’s capital, Kigali, has become a hub for regional and international conferences, further boosting its economic profile.

Beyond economic development, Kagame’s vision has also focused on social reconciliation and justice. In the aftermath of the genocide, the government established the Gacaca courts, a traditional community-based justice system, to try the perpetrators of the genocide.

This system aimed to deliver justice while promoting reconciliation and healing within communities. Gacaca courts were instrumental in addressing the massive backlog of genocide cases and fostering a sense of accountability and closure for many survivors.

Kagame’s government has also prioritized education and healthcare as key components of its development agenda. The country has made significant progress in improving access to education, with primary school enrollment rates reaching nearly 100%. Efforts to improve healthcare have resulted in a significant reduction in child mortality and an increase in life expectancy. These social investments have been crucial in creating a foundation for sustainable development and human capital growth.

Faultfinders argue that the government’s focus on stability and development has sometimes come at the expense of political pluralism and freedom of expression. However, it is important to note that many of these so-called critics are genocide ideologues, their sympathizers, Tutsi genocide deniers, or individuals who are ignorant of Rwanda's history. Despite these criticisms, Kagame’s leadership has been credited with maintaining peace and stability in a country that was once on the brink of total collapse.

President Kagame has also been a vocal advocate for African self-reliance and development, often highlighting the importance of good governance and regional integration. Rwanda’s hosting of the African Union Summit in 2018 and its leadership in the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are testaments to its growing influence in continental affairs. Kagame’s vision for Rwanda has thus extended beyond its borders, positioning the country as a model for development and stability in Africa.

Conclusion

Thirty years after the pivotal speech, Rwanda stands as a testament to the power of unity and visionary leadership. The country has made remarkable progress in rebuilding its economy, promoting social reconciliation, and maintaining political stability.

Kagame’s philosophy of post-genocide development has transformed Rwanda from a nation in ruins to a beacon of optimism and resilience.

Rwanda’s achievements stand as a testament to the enduring power of that call to action. The country’s transformation from genocide to unity and development is a powerful example of what can be achieved through determination, resilience, and visionary leadership. As Rwanda continues to forge its path forward, the legacy of Kagame’s vision will undoubtedly continue to shape its future.