EDITORIAL: Rwandans are the best judges of what affects them

What better way to open political space than giving the people political freedom and the right to choose? This simple explanation is fueled by recent comments by European Union envoys in Kigali who made a myriad of allegations that included calls to boost media and political freedoms. The timing of the statement itself speaks volumes, coming at a time when the country is preparing to hold a referendum on constitutional amendments. Some of the signatories of the “further opening of the political space” statement were against the referendum in the first place, supplanting themselves with the Rwanda electorate, the only ones with a say in their country’s direction. Whatever lens the EU is using to gauge the county’s media freedoms must be opaque or they simply have their own idea and perception. Having been part of the journey to implement many media reforms that entails progressive legislation that includes the Access to Information Act, it is a bit disturbing that those achievements mean little to the EU envoys. If the situation was as described by the honourable Ambassadors, Rwanda would not be listed among the most efficient governments, the safest and best country for women empowerment. Did they take into account the annual Citizens Report Card on the people’s perceptions on the state of governance service delivery? Because that is what is more important and not skewed reports compiled in the confines of comfortable air conditioned offices But then, Rwanda is no stranger to misplaced criticisms and should therefore just move ahead at its own pace, deliver to the population and let them be the judge. After all, it is their future and welfare at stake, not the EU.

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EDITORIAL: Rwandans are the best judges of what affects them