As a young boy growing up in Rwanda, I witnessed a nation that others called a failed state. Let me take you back, especially if you are still young. At that time, the country was in chaos, and hope seemed a distant memory. I remember the uncertainty, the fear, and the overwhelming sense of loss that flooded every aspect of life. It was a time when the future of Rwanda as a state, and of Rwandans as a people, hung in the balance. Then, a leader emerged. Some of us were hopeless and confused about what was happening, but within a few days, his name became synonymous with a vision of peace, unity, and progress. I watched as he led with determination and a steadfast commitment to rebuilding our broken nation. Slowly but surely, Rwanda began to heal. Roads and bridges were repaired, schools were reopened, refugees returned home, and communities started to rebuild their lives. Unity and reconciliation became a song to everyone. Years passed, and we were sent to school—for free, by the way! Meetings and seminars, Irondo, Inkiko Gacaca, Local Defence Forces, Guca Nyakatsi, Isuku. You know what? In the last 30 years, we achieved undeniable progress. To cut it short, under President-elect Paul Kagame's leadership, Rwanda was transformed from a place of despair to a beacon of hope. Economic growth flourished, healthcare and education improved, and a sense of stability took root. Living in a peaceful Rwanda for three decades has shown me the value of this stability and the price paid for it. A Nation on the Move Over the past three decades, Rwanda's economy has transformed significantly. Following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the country's economy was in ruins with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of about $240 in 1995. By 2024, Rwanda's GNI per capita had increased to over $980, with an annual growth rate of around 8%. Additionally, the following statistics and indicators from various institutions, including Rwanda Statistics and the World Bank, paint a picture of a nation on the move. When you walk around Rwanda, modern cemented houses seem normal. From 1995 to 2003, Grass thatched houses or Nyakatsi were dominant, especially in rural areas. The percentage of cemented houses increased from 7.1% to 48.1% in 2024. Access to access safe drinking water that is within 30 minutes of their home rose from 26.3% to 87.4%, and access to electricity saw a substantial rise from 2.4% in 1995 to 74.4% and journey continues. What about roads? Rwanda is among the top 10 countries in Africa with better road infrastructure. Most of these tarmac roads are new. To understand this, imagine that the length of tarmac roads expanded from 530 kilometers to 2,652 kilometers—a 401.9% increase, which enhanced intra-connectivity. To achieve all these indicators, the government of Rwanda put much emphasis on education. After the Genocide against the Tutsi, only 2,870 citizens had graduated in 1995 from a single university? Today, we have more than 40 universities, and the number of graduates has increased by 14,933%, reaching 431,606 by 2024. This educational progress has bolstered all sectors, including healthcare. Life expectancy improved from 39.97 years in 1995 to 70.2 years in 2024. Health insurance coverage jumped from 2.6% in 1995 to 97.3% in 2024. The number of hospitals grew from 14 in 1993 to 52 in 2024, and doctors increased from 117 to 1,223. Agriculture thrived, with cows increasing from 321,331 in 1991 to 1.5 million in 2022. Secure land ownership reached 100%, with 11,719,464 titles issued. Infrastructure saw 1,966 kilometers of illuminated streets by 2024. A Better Future As I grew older, I understood the depth of Kagame’s impact on our country. Now, as a parent, I look at my children and visualize of a future where they can thrive in a safe and prosperous Rwanda. In the recently concluded elections, I chose President-elect Kagame, believing in his vision for the next five years. I am confident that these years will bring further progress, allowing my children and all Rwandans to benefit from the peace and development we have worked so hard to achieve. What else do I want from a leader if not peace and prosperity? To those who may question my choice, I say this: consider the profound changes we have seen under Kagame’s leadership and the many more to come. And, as the Gen Z say, you might also consider a glass of water—it helps alleviate the thirst for something you cannot control. For those who, like me, are part of the 99.1% who voted for him, let us continue to celebrate and build upon this legacy together. Rwanda’s future is bright, and together, we will ensure its continued success. The writer is a Rwandan citizen based in Bugesera District.
