Rwandans know what’s best for them

Editor, Refer to the story “Kagame on why Rwanda opened borders to Africans” (The New Times, May 8, 2014). In the article, the President was quoted as saying: “”We haven’t taken any steps without having conversations with our citizens”, and “We are focusing on it to make sure we are maximising the benefits for ourselves and for our people”. He was explaining the importance of agriculture during the World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja. It’s true that Rwanda has opened borders to Africans and many well-wishers from elsewhere around the world. The advantages of opening the borders are being felt by every Rwandan and in all aspects of development. In addition, since January this year, citizens of Uganda and Kenya can now visit Rwanda using their national IDs. Other African citizens can have their visa at any entry point unlike in other countries where you find a notice to apply for an entry visa a week or so in advance of your trip. What President Paul Kagame has done in the very few past years is what many countries haven’t done in the past many years. I have no right to blame anyone but all in all it’s a wakeup call to others. There are certainly some lessons to learn from a country that dramatically recovered from a devastating genocide that shocked the world two decades ago. In the latest EICV survey, statistics indicate that a million Rwandans moved above the poverty line between 2007 and 2012. Also, a recent report released by WHO indicates that Rwanda has achieved the MDG target 5 on maternal health, at 77 per cent. These are just a drop of achievements registered over the last few years. All these achievements have been realised because the Government of Rwanda holds consultations with citizens and every Rwandan is held accountable. That said, you can’t stop a genocide and struggle hard to rebuild the country – up to where it is now – and then just look on as other people try to destroy it. Rwandans know what’s best for them, they do not need to consult the external world top know what is good for them, because they know where they’ve come from, where they are and where they need to be in the future. However, we welcome those constructive ideas and support as we bid to make ourselves even better. We are lucky that the Constitution is manmade. This means a lot that I can’t explain in this comment but trust me come 2017, Rwandans will vote wisely as usual for our borders to be opened wider for the best of all Rwandans. Maureen Twahirwa, Rwanda

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Rwandans know what’s best for them