At this time of the year, Kigali is awash with the Diaspora and it is very easy to spot them out. They are full of excitement for every little thing we take for granted. They will post photos of the delicacies they are enjoying just to meanly stick their tongues out to those who did not manage to escape the European and American winters. They are sure to post a photo on social media of them having a Primus, brochette and igitoki by the shores of Lake Muhazi to trigger nostalgia on the part of those left behind. Sure, the Diaspora plays an important part in a country’s economic fate. Some countries depend entirely on what their nationals who work menial jobs send back home. It has become an industry. Unlike some countries that depend on domestic workers in foreign lands, especially the Middle East, Rwanda’s Diaspora can be termed as middle class and most are nationals of their host countries. The World Bank estimates that they sent to Rwanda close to $300 million, which could amount to about 3 per cent of GDP. We have an active and well-organised Diaspora and the government has tried its best to involve them in national affairs. Many with special skills have relocated back home and are helping build their country. However, from complaints raised when the visiting Diaspora met with government officials, their relationship with the home base needs some ironing. The Diaspora is regarded as the sixth province and has a dedicated directorate in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As they pointed out, embassies cannot deliver some services such as getting new IDs and one has to fly to Rwanda for them. With our dedicated passion for technology, there should be a way to go around that problem.
