Reasons for Rwanda’s phenomenal rise from the ashes

In the immediate aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda was almost a complete failed state. The social and economic fabric of the Rwandan society was destroyed. The infrastructure was in shambles. Public coffers had been systematically looted. The economy had ground to a halt. Majority of the Rwandan population, both survivors of the Genocide and perpetrators, were mostly traumatised. Serious threats to attempt to rebuild the country and restore security, peace and stability were huge due to ideologically charged militia and genocidal forces with safe havens close to Rwanda’s borders. This threat to some extent still remains with the so-called “Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)” militia still operating in the region. The social, economic and governance gains Rwanda has made over the last twenty years started from a very low base. Expectations on Rwanda have to be weighed against the enormous historical challenges and legacy of the Genocide. Despite these unimaginable challenges, Rwanda has since recovered. Today, the country is a beacon of hope, peace, and stability and has become a model for successful post-conflict nation-building. Rwanda is politically stable, has well functioning institutions, rule of law and zero tolerance for corruption, according to Transparency International annual rankings. The economy has sustainably grown at an average GDP growth of over 8 per cent in the last 10 years and inflation rate has been restricted to single digits. The most important aspect of Rwanda’s post-Genocide economic performance is that economic growth is translating into poverty reduction. From 2007 to 2012, over one million Rwandans were helped to lift themselves out of poverty as measured by the third Household Living Conditions Survey. Rwanda achieved what the Oxford economist Paul Collier, author of ‘The Bottom Billion’ termed a development hat trick – growth with poverty reduction, with poverty reducing faster in rural areas as compared to urban centres, while inequality is declining as measured by the gini-coefficient. The welfare of the population has also been greatly enhanced by massive investment in education, health, social protection and ease of access to basic services. How has Rwanda miraculously turned around from a failed state to a model for post-conflict successful nation-building? This opinion piece aims at highlighting some of the reasons for Rwanda’s success. Ownership. After the 1994 Genocide, Rwanda immediately came to terms with the tragedy it had faced and was determined not to be derailed by that catastrophe. Rwandans were responsible for the mess. Rwandans had to clear the mess and rebuild their lives and country. That was the mind-set. There would be no room to blame others for the Genocide and no excuses. Out of the tragedy came a determination to build a new, modern, tolerant and peaceful country. This ownership and determination has been instrumental in the search for unique solutions and ensuring that momentum for change is maintained with a view to transforming the country. Leadership. The role of leadership to steer a country out of any tragedy should never be underestimated. President Paul Kagame has provided the visionary, disciplined and focused leadership that has put the country steadily on a course to rapid transformation. The President clearly says that he doesn’t see himself as a politician, but a Chief Executive of Rwanda Inc., and every government department is a branch of Rwanda Inc., and must be profitable to contribute to a clean balance sheet. In effect, the President has instilled private sector discipline and results focus in a public sector setting. This kind of leadership has inspired Rwandans in both the public and private sectors to deliver way beyond the existing resources and skills. Thinking long-term, being ambitious and thinking big. In 2000, Rwanda developed a long-term vision for socio-economic transformation, dubbed Vision 2020. The vision maps out Rwanda’s ambition to become a middle income country by 2020, a knowledge-based economy and a service hub for the East and Central Africa region. This vision has been rigorously and single-mindedly implemented through short to medium term plans. Today, most of the goals of the Vision have been realised well ahead of 2020 and many of the targets have been revised upwards. As a result Rwanda is one of the few developing countries on track to achieve most of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Citizen engagement and participation, innovation and homegrown solutions. Rwanda has built efficient and responsive governance institutions that bring citizens at the centre of decision-making and service delivery. Devolution of power, financial and human resources and service delivery have brought Rwandan citizens at the mainstream of decision-making. This has greatly enhanced access to basic services, social protection, democratic participation while empowering ordinary Rwandans to ensure accountability and transparency. Homegrown solutions to local challenges have contributed to rebuilding Rwanda. Women empowerment. Women now occupy 64 per cent of seats in the country’s Lower House, the largest proportion of women participation in parliament in the world. Women participation and empowerment in all sectors of the economy is evident, and the results speak volumes. Building partnerships and cooperation. Rwanda has built strong partnerships that have helped power its development. Rwanda ensures total accountability for the use of aid and donor resources to deliver the highest value for money. There is a very deliberate effort to widen the network of global friends and partners and certainly a rigorous effort to engage with new and emerging economies. Choosing national unity and reconciliation. Focusing on what unites citizens in the quest to build one Rwanda and reshape the Rwandan identity based on shared culture, values, norms and history has created a strong foundation for a shared future for the Rwandan people. With the current momentum for socio-economic transformation and pursuit of development outcomes and results, Rwanda will achieve most of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals by 2015, reduce poverty, become a middle income country by 2020, and build a modern and prosperous nation beyond 2020. The writer is High Commissioner of Rwanda to India.

Opinions

Reasons for Rwanda’s phenomenal rise from the ashes