As many as 100 Rwandans from the Diaspora attended the 8th National Dialogue, which concluded Tuesday. Some of these delegates, representing Rwandan communities from 22 countries around the world, had never seen Rwanda before, while others were last here at least sixteen years ago.

Yet, once they were here, they did not simply observe the proceedings of the annual dialogue. They actively took part in the intense debates, with many pledging to play a major part in the realization of the set targets.

Many of them confessed they were shocked and revitalized by the Rwanda they saw – a resurging, united and democratic country – a far cry from the picture that the detractors and a section of the international media are painting. For some time now, criminals, including genocidaires and other wanted fugitives and their sympathizers, have been smearing this country, and working to instill a sense of fear and desperation Rwandans in the Diaspora.

It was, therefore, indeed a huge surprise for the Diaspora delegates, who had, for long, been victims of a sustained misinformation campaign and machination agenda.
Now, excited about the prospects of this country, as much as the over 11 million fellow citizens, the Diaspora delegates gave valuable ideas on how best we can take a huge leap forward as a nation.

Their contributions and those of the over 850 local participants, during the two days, along with the many phone calls, SMS and emails from the general public, are what made the Dialogue as interactive as they get.

The Diaspora community should now fully come on board, invest at home and mobilize foreign entrepreneurs.

Ends