At a time when we almost feel down, overwhelmed by the negative vibes from our detractors, a special event often reminds us that we are on course with much to celebrate.

This is exactly what happened last evening at Village Urugwiro, during a joint press conference, between President Paul Kagame and former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

Blair the founder of the Africa Governance Initiative (AGI); praised the progress made in many areas by Rwandans, as ‘an inspiration for Africa.’

According to Blair, achievements registered so far are in the areas of good governance and economic growth, adding that the country has positioned itself as one of those with great opportunities for investment.

Blair has closely followed events in Rwanda since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He knows and understands so deeply the challenges Rwanda’s leadership had to overcome in steering the country out of the horrors of the human massacres, towards peace and stability.

It is no easy feat to achieve what Rwanda’s leadership has achieved in just 15 years. At times that pat on the back, keeps them and the nation going.

A topical issue during the press conference was to do with private sector development, which both Blair and Kagame concurred was progressing but needing all the support.

Support for instance that could be rendered to the recently constituted, Rwanda Development Board, (RDB).

Blair a frequent visitor to Rwanda has had a team of experts on the ground for a year now, who have followed closely the political and economic developments.

According to Kagame, the team should be extolled as their work creates a very strong partnership whereby not only gaps are filled where they exist, but there’s also the notion of transfer of skills, mentoring, actually doing things that are measurable over a period of time.

When asked about groups that continue to attack the current leadership, Blair attributed this to ignorance of developments on the ground.

"I think people from the outside don’t quite understand it.’ But as someone who has been here, looking at the progress the country has registered, stability is key in keeping these precious achievements intact thus the country has done what it has done without putting the achievements at stake, which is right in my opinion,” responded Blair.

Need we say more?

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