For the past one decade, the elder’s advisory forum, an institution composed of men and women over the age of 50 years, mostly seasoned politicians, has been advising the Head of State and other top leaders on a number of issues of national importance, but don’t do it through usual channels like the senate or parliament. Established in 2013, the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum (REAF)’s core mandate is to advise government on national topical issues, national political orientation and challenges pertaining to good governance, justice, economy and social welfare. The organ’s members are described as people of “high moral standing and have significant experience” in national leadership or other prominent roles. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Kagame graces Tito Rutaremara's 80th birthday Often, on their agenda are discussion points ranging from fostering the country's stability, progress, and social cohesion, in addition to carrying out research on a number of things. “We advise the president, but ultimately, it is his prerogative to decide how, or even if, to act on our recommendations,” Tito Rutaremara, REAF’s Chairperson, told The New Times in an interview. Rutaremara, 80, has a political career spanning over five decades and has held numerous roles, including serving as Ombudsman and chaired the commission that drafted the 2003 constitution. He also served as a senator and member of parliament. He is flanked by over a dozen other seasoned individuals who boast experience not only in leadership but also in aspects like family and parenting, business, research, and beyond. We do all types of research, analysing writings, holding discussions, and studying public opinions, Rutaremara told The New Times. Though it is composed of older people, the forum does research on contemporary topics like the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which, according to Rutaremara, they have carried out a research on Rwanda’s readiness to embrace it. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, often called 4IR or Industry 4.0, is a term used to describe the current era of technological advancement where digital, physical, and biological systems are merging. ALSO READ: Lawmakers endorse Elders Advisory Forum Unlike earlier industrial revolutions, which were driven by steam, electricity, or computers, the fourth industrial revolution is powered by innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and biotechnology. A “purely advisory” mandate Rutaremara clarified that REAF's role is purely advisory, and so, to discharge its responsibilities, the forum conducts research, reading, interviews and public consultations and comes up with a position paper which is then presented to relevant organs. REAF's mandate covers a broad range of issues, including national policy direction, governance challenges, justice, the economy, and social welfare. The forum may present its advice either upon the president's request or independently. Members of the council are appointed by the president, who also oversees the forum through his office. The council is typically composed of seven members, although the number can be adjusted as the country’s needs evolve. At least 30 per cent of the members must be female. Making decisions The forum has two main organisational bodies: The Council of Elders, which is REAF’s highest decision-making body, and the Bureau of REAF. The bureau consists of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, who are responsible for leading the council's activities, preparing meetings, implementing resolutions, and coordinating with other government bodies to ensure smooth collaboration. The Council of Elders’ decisions are reached through consensus; however, if consensus is not possible, an absolute majority vote among the members present will determine the outcome. REAF operates independently in establishing its internal regulations, provided they align with the law under which it was created. These regulations may be published in the Official Gazette of Rwanda. ALSO READ: Bonding with youngsters, telenovelas, and dancing: The other side of Tito Rutaremara The forum’s members serve a renewable term of five years, during which they have the authority to conduct any research deemed necessary to support their advisory role and to establish regulations for the forum's daily operations. A member may lose their position for several reasons, including the completion of their term, voluntary resignation, or inability to perform their duties due to illness or disability. Behaviour incompatible with the responsibilities of their role, no longer meeting the qualifications that were considered at the time of their appointment, or receiving a prison sentence of six months or more without rehabilitation, may also lead to loss of a position on the forum.
