Editor,

I read with great interest the story "UN injects Rwf17b into Rwanda’s Deepening Democracy programmes”, (The New Times, September 20).

What better way to respond to biased and unfounded criticism of Rwanda’s leadership as "brutal” and "forceful” by New York Times’ Jeffrey Gentleman? This is a fitting  reaction to Mr. Gentleman’s desperate attempts to discredit Rwanda and its leaders – through personal attacks.

This new round of democratic programme demonstrates a clear commitment by Rwandan leaders, towards human rights and freedoms, and it speaks volumes about who we are. Now that’s not the Rwanda that Mr. Gentlemen and those of his ilk want the world to believe.

So, will Mr. Gentleman say this is just another way to "manipulate” international opinion? Will he dive deep into new innuendos about a pseudo Manichean personality of the initiators and backers (including the UN) of these policies?

Few people must have been fooled by his efforts to take away one’s credibility and standing by suggesting that they are "unpredictable” in thoughts, behaviour and what else (example: a pensive look by someone suddenly becomes indicative of a troubled, ‘spaced out’ moment).

But, maybe this time round, Mr. Gentleman and the likes will choose to take the high road, and acknowledge that governance and the rule of law are genuine objectives in Rwanda. And, incidentally, let’s also add that a pensive look can be just that... a pensive look. A moment of reflection and introspection.

Stop being paranoid, Mr. Gettleman. There’s enough of those going around, don’t be one of them.

Diana, Kigali