Rwanda has excelled in good governance

After the war and 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda faced challenges in building good governance especially in aspects of human, financial, institutional and material resources. But considerable determination and enthusiasm from the government of national unity and its people, the country has made great strides in the direction of ensuring that not only good governance principles are deeply entrenched but also respected. Today, the Rwandan people, government, and development partners have space within which to begin dialogue with one another and search for new paths to good governance and development for the country. It is worth to mention that good governance is the only viable alternative to promote sustainable socio-economic development. This in turn boosts national peace and reconciliation so as to empower the population to actively participate in decision making process with a view to sustainable development activities that directly impact on their livelihoods and to make the population increasingly self reliant. As a result Rwandan people have developed self-confidence amongst them and liberated their minds. People are free to make their own choice freely. Promotion of peace and unity through reconciliation programs has been a key success to promote good governance in Rwanda. Justice regulatory mechanisms, such as have ever since their creation helped to promote unity and reconciliation, raise awareness among the population of the need and respect of human rights and the rule of law. This program, helped to accelerate justice in the trial of genocide suspects that has led to great achievements on restoring security in all parts of the country. Many Rwandans who fled the country in 1994 and earlier have returned from exile few who have not yet returned are encouraged to return and contribute in the development of the new Rwanda. Institutions charged with security, law and order such as the police and the army are in place, operational, well organized and devoted to the service of the population and mediation committees such as Abunzi at sector levels have been established. Today the participation of the people of Rwanda in their governance is encouraging. Policies that facilitate the devolution of administrative and financial powers to local administrative units closer to the communities have been established by the government of the national unity. The decentralization policy adopted in Rwanda, has been a focal point to the nation wide democratization process as well as the poverty reduction strategy. This policy was developed and adopted on the principles of participation and empowerment of local governments to plan and execute their own development programs. This policy has motivated the local population to ignite its abilities so as to initiate and implement development activities based on locally identified needs. Promotion of private sector aiming for poverty eradication has been on the forefront in Rwanda. Various civil society organizations have been created and motivated to contribute to the nation’s development. As a result, these organizations and institutions have been able to provide services such as education and health at a required standard. The government of national unity is equipped with the legal frame work to play a positive role in providing information to the population so as to promote transparency and accountability within the public. There is also a strong political will to fight against HIV/AIDS, since a population that is at the verge of being wiped out cannot meaningfully engage itself in economic activity. The government through the ministry of health has invested heavily in sensitization of the population about HIV/AIDS and its impact. Additionally, the government of national unity is investing heavily on human resource development; this is because good governance cannot be achieved without the support of a reservoir of Rwandans who are knowledgeable, skilled, motivated and well informed. Many institutions that offer services in education, health and banking have been created and funded by the government. Good management of the environment is amongst the major issues in the social development of the nation. The monthly Umuganda community work and planting of trees are important programs in the protection and management of the environment for present and future generations. Ends