EDITORIAL: A country's sovereignty is not a bargaining chip

The outgoing Ambassador to The Netherlands, in very few words, summed up what many Rwandans have been expressing; They have the last say in charting their future for they know what is good for them. As many countries have come to realize – at their expense – powerful countries have the tendency of dictating terms and setting the agendas of weaker or poorer countries.. It takes courage and determination to counter that attack on a country’s integrity. Early this month, Greeks turned to the urns to make felt their opinions on unpopular bailout conditions set by their richer European neighbours. With their economic prospects dithering on the brink of implosion, the Greeks called the bluff because their sovereignty was being tested. They voted a resounding NO yet they knew it would come with dire economic consequences. Self determination is the essence of any self respecting nation; none would voluntarily accept to become a doormat for others to tread on. And that is Rwanda’s uncompromising position. A country and its people are usually in the position to know what is suitable even at a time when all odds are stacked against it. The only consolation is being proved right at the end of the day. Every day, new challenges will appear in the horizon, and the only viable solution is perseverance in sticking to what is right in the interest of its people.

Opinions

EDITORIAL: A country's sovereignty is not a bargaining chip