Rwanda has simply performed miracles

Editor, We are all conversant with what happened in Rwanda when over a million Tutsi’ were butchered in madness that lasted less than 100 days. It is very rare for a country to rise from such a calamity to create hope for its people. The West completely failed to preempt the Genocide despite clear indicators that something terrible was brewing. One man and his rag tag army fought their way to bring the Genocide to a halt and have instilled a sense of law and order to the people of Rwanda. Many expected him to take the path of revenge but he chose not to do that but rather bring all Rwandans together. If there is one man we can equate to legendary Nelson Mandela when it comes to forgiveness then it is President Kagame. I was honored to meet him when he came to my hotel in Mombasa in 2000. His demeanor and ease in dealing with total strangers was amazing. I recall walking him to his room and in the process had the opportunity to chat for a while. I recently had the opportunity to visit Rwanda and criss-cross the country which now puts to shame many other African countries. I can confidently state that Kigali is one of the cleanest cities in Africa with clean well paved roads and excellent security. If you chose to visit the country side you will be amazed by the excellent roads that the government is busy putting up. While many nations are busy using diesel propelled turbines to produce electricity Rwanda commissioned one of the largest solar panel farms in sub Saharan Africa. Rwanda is equally a country that does not allow polythene bags hence the reason for its lush clean green environment wherever you visit. In education sector over 3000 public school are equipped with computers while some are even WiFi enabled. We have some fine hotels in this region that don’t have WiFi yet some public schools in Rwanda do. Rwanda is a country that strongly believes in the spirit of East African integration. While next door neighbors are overly worried about Kenyans dominance, Rwanda has opened its doors wide where you do not need a visa or a work permit to do business if you are from the East African nations. A minister came to follow us at our hotel when we could not meet him at his office as he was busy with other visitors. We left our address and our purpose of visit and after two hours he was looking for us at the hotel where we were staying. Tell me which other country can match that? In the political front Rwanda is setting the place. It upsets some of us to see the West putting pressure on Rwanda on matters of democracy. We have many other countries that need their help but certainly not Rwanda. The West should let Rwanda heal in peace and let them embrace democracy in their own way. As a true African I can only wish President Kagame and the Rwandan people all the best. Mohammed Hersi Former Chairman of kenya Association of Hotelkeepers, Coast region Mohammed.Hersi@sarovahotels.com

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Rwanda has simply performed miracles