The revised Constitution came into force on Christmas Eve, just a week after it was promulgated in a referendum that saw more than 98 per cent of voters backing the amendments. While this was not the first time the 2003 Constitution was being amended it was the first time the supreme law was being put to a referendum owing to the fact that the main subject of amendment concerned presidential terms. For the better part of the 2015, Rwandans across the country as well as their compatriots in the Diaspora came out strongly to demand Parliament to revise the Constitution with view to removing any provisions that would bar President Paul Kagame from seeking re-election in 2017 – should he heed to their call to stand again. Nearly 4 million Rwandans submitted petitions to the bicameral parliament demanding the amendments, prompting the lawmakers to go on a nationwide consultations drive during which citizens reiterated their wish to keep Kagame in office past 2017. Many explained that the President had, by far, been the force behind the country’s resurgence over the last two decades having previously led the movement that ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi against all odds. For that impeccable record and the fact that they still held Kagame in high esteem considering his continued relentless and genuine efforts to unite Rwandans, eliminate injustices of all kind, fight corruption, and promote economic growth, they made clear they were simply not ready to risk all the achievements registered under his leadership by gambling on an untested leader. The rest, like they say, is history. And, today, Rwanda has a new Constitution, one, like the previous one, that reflects the will of the people. While the people may yet to get a definitive answer from the President on whether he will grant their wish come 2017, this should not distract them from continuing with their efforts to build a better Rwanda, a nation that we will be proud to bequeath to the future generations. Rwanda has come a long way. Twenty-one years is such a short time in the process of nation building. Yet, Rwandans can be proud of their achievements thus far. As we prepare to usher in the New Year, it’s an opportunity for every Rwandan to reflect on their individual role as citizens to ensure that this country continues to move from strength to strength. There is need to individually and collectively work harder with view to ultimately make Rwanda a truly great country in the community of nations.
