In my own eyes

When President Paul Kagame visited Brussels, last December, I was among the 3,000 people who welcomed him at the Car Museum at the Cinquantenaire. Addressing the gathering, that comprised Rwandans in the Diaspora and Friends of Rwanda, he spoke about the progress that the country has registered, over the last sixteen years, and the future plans, as stipulated in its vision 2020. He highlighted the remarkable economic development, transformation of the agriculture and education sector and the massive advancement of ICT. Of course, I had read and heard about Rwanda’s progress, however, hearing it from the man who has spearheaded the transformation had a different feel to it. It was amazing, to hear first hand, how a country has rebuilt from the ashes of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi – that claimed over a million lives - to become a model state of this world. Rwanda is one of the few countries that are on track, to meet the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.From that evening, my decision to leave Belgium for Rwanda was taken. The President words were convincing, and he erased all the fears I had about Rwanda, that had developed as a result of the Genocide and the smear campaign that detractors have embarked on, peddling lies to the effect that all is not well in Rwanda.Two weeks after the President’s visit, I was on a flight to Kigali to witness the transformation of my country. During my stay, I had the opportunity to attend the National Dialogue - an annual forum that brings together government officials, members of the Diaspora, local leaders, diplomats and ordinary Rwandan citizens from all walks of life. At the forum, government officials are put to task, to explain to the Rwandan people what achievements they have registered. The proceedings are aired live on radio and television, and for those out of Rwanda, they can follow the proceeding via live internet feeds. Interestingly, the public get to question their leaders, making them explain where things have not gone right.What better form of democracy can anyone compare this to? The National Dialogue should be a lesson to, not only, African countries, but the West as well. It is rare, even in developed countries, to find government officials account to the public and get questioned by the public, directly, through live phone-ins, SMS, and email. In the European democracies, government officials are only challenged by the Parliament and often by the opposition, while the Parliamentarians of the ruling party with ministers are systematically supportive of political agendas. In Rwanda it’s the citizens who challenge’s the Government officials. Moving on from the political front, what shocked me the most, was witnessing how the country has transformed. Kigali, the capital has completely changed face. It can, in no way, be compared to the 80’s. High-rise structures are mushrooming all over the city, housing estates and shopping complexes, now stand out in areas that were only bushes a few years ago. The hotels and infrastructure would compare to many metropolitan cities that have existed for decades or even centuries. The investor confidence too, is steadily growing. With reformed policies and sustained security and stability, the country has turned out to be an ideal destination for investment and doing business. One cannot mention Kigali, without noticing the clean streets, free of plastic bags that are notoriously known for, not only dirtying the streets, but also being an environmental hazard, that even the most developed part of this world has failed to deal with. And, it’s not only in the City. A drive upcountry left me in awe. Unlike, pre- 1994, everyone has shoes on their feet, there is electricity lighting up rural homes and the farms demonstrate modern methods of agriculture. It is evident the people are more confident and well nourished. A programme, the one cow per family, has seen the lives of poor families transform. With the cow, they are able to get manure for their gardens and milk for nutrition. The surplus cow products are sold, raking in incomes for the families. The difference the program has made is evident on the faces of the beneficiaries, without doubt, they are healthier and happier. Having lived, worked and travelled in numerous African countries, I am convinced that Rwanda, is truly a success story. With no abundant mineral wealth or any other natural resources, the transformation of the country is nothing short of a miracle. The visionary leadership, has steered the country from nothing, to a regional power and model developing country to be reckoned with. f the pace at which it is registering progress is maintained, I foresee a rising star from Africa. By the end of my stay, I was convinced the popular belief that God sleeps in Rwanda, holds substance. The Author is a member of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium