Unity and Reconciliation at the forefront in Rwanda

Reconciliation is a process which consists of uniting and restoring relations between two persons or groups who have been separated by a conflict. Sixteen years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, where innocent Tutsi’s were mercilessly wiped from the face of the earth by Hutu extremists, Rwanda is growing at a faster rate that you cannot believe that death once swept over the country. Rwanda has achieved a lot over the years despite its past tragedies. After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda’s government embarked upon bringing reconciliation and unity among the communities. The quest for unity and reconciliation among Rwandans has been going on for years and the achievements so far are impressive. The successful development that is currently taking place in Rwanda is a sign of a successful sustainable peace and reconciliation among the people. Through the Gacaca courts (traditional courts) system which was introduced in the country, a significant step towards the unity and reconciliation process was achieved. The traditional judges played a major role in uniting, reconciling and arbitrating residents to sort out day to-day communal differences. The Government’s efforts to stop differences between Hutu and Tutsi, to encourage outside investors and to plough money into development, with the aim of building Rwanda is a sign of unity and reconciliation. Many people outside of Rwanda still base their view of the country on the terrible massacres and atrocities which took place during the 1994 Genocide against The Tutsi. But that image is now outdated. Rwanda has not only raised its economic and political profile but it is also making significant strides on the environment, with a strong focus on renewable energy and combating pollution. Increasing numbers of people are hooked up to eco-friendly power. And once a month, everyone in Rwanda helps to keep the streets and respective communities clean during Umuganda,(community cleaning exercise). All in all, the unity and reconciliation process has taken tremendous steps in re-building Rwanda into a modern African state. Ends