Why Rwanda's trumpet must sound

A writer in this region was once accused of being arrogant and constantly blowing his own trumpet. He quipped, with a hint of impatience and contempt: What’s the use of a trumpet that does not sound? I agree, and now want to give a loud blast to mine. Well, not exactly mine, but Rwanda’s trumpet. I don’t care if the blast shatters the eardrums of the hordes of grumpy grumblers without a cause. Actually, that wouldn’t be a bad thing. Not bad at all. They don’t hear anyway, and can’t even see. If I keep long at it, it might even drown the pathetic whining of Rwandan fugitives grovelling and debasing themselves in foreign lands. But there is another good reason for this sudden and extravagant musical urge. The story of Rwanda today demands it. Who wouldn’t want to put lips to their trumpet and blissfully blow away because things have never been better? Here is the evidence. Last Friday, Rwandans went to the polls and decided the law of the land they wanted for their country. The vote was more than an approval of the constitutional amendment. It was a vote for cementing gains made in the last twenty-one years. It was a vote for continuity and stability. It was affirmation of the freedom to do what is best for us. It was a vote of confidence in the direction the country is taking. They turned up in such massive numbers and voted overwhelmingly for the amended constitution that it left many, unfamiliar with the way we do things here, wondering what sort of people we are. Rwandans didn’t care for this. They simply did what was in their hearts and minds, what was good for them. What others thought was not their business. And this is the point all those who keep their eyes glued on Rwanda should note. The rest of the world can shout all they want, lecture as they wish, give unsolicited advice and even issue threats. Rwandans will listen politely and in the end do what they have to do – that which is in their best interest. They don’t insult anyone, and God knows there is good reason for that. They don’t even complain. They just do their thing. It is a good thing when people start worrying more about systems of governance and the quality of the people who should lead them than about whether they will be alive in the morning. It means they are thinking long term, looking far, because the present is assured. A loud blast on the trumpet. Put your hands on your ears, grumpy. Two days earlier, ACODE, a Uganda based public policy NGO and IPSOS, an international research group, had published a report on the public perception of Rwandans about the social, political and economic conditions in Rwanda. In the survey, the researchers wanted to know Rwandans’ opinions on government institutions, on public and social services. They wanted to know their views about elections and the government’s tolerance to criticism. They asked people about their personal freedom, about the president, and so on. The conclusion of the survey was that in all areas, Rwandans expressed high satisfaction levels. Of course, we already knew this. But the view from outside is a good thing and you have to believe it. This was a survey commissioned by a foreign NGO and conducted by a foreign research organisation. The ACODE-IPSOS Opinion Poll Survey Report 2015 is the latest in many others by reputable international organisations that have come to the same conclusion: Rwanda is making strides in many areas and the citizens are very happy with the way they are governed. Another blast Since yesterday, Rwandans are taking part in that uniquely Rwandan event – National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano). For two days they will meet to discuss the state of their nation. They will debate serious issues, ask tough questions and, together, plan the way ahead. It is our way of holding one another accountable and also looking out for each other. Can anyone ask for greater participation or get better satisfaction from knowing that they have done their part? Who needs a spokesperson when they can speak for themselves, and directly? With all these things happening, no one can silence Rwanda’s trumpet. In fact they should stop and listen because it is a beautiful sound, harmonious and uplifting, and will play for long. I am picking up my trumpet again. And while we are still in this joyful mood, I wish you a Merry Christmas. jorwagatare@yahoo.co.uk

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Why Rwanda's trumpet must sound