New responsibilities, tougher challenges ahead

It’s not news any more that a new cabinet has been appointed. The new line-up brings on board new entrants, and relieves others of their responsibilities, switching their responsibilities to some ministers who remained on board. Many allude to the fact that this reshuffle that comes two years after the last one has been long overdue. Of course the reasons behind the timing lie entirely in the hands of the appointing authority. Nonetheless, it is important to re-examine and reflect on the new changes announced three days ago. Coming after a Government Retreat in Akagera that was centred on evaluating government performance, it would not be wrong for one to assume that the new cabinet line-up comes to re-energise and add momentum to the functioning of government. President Paul Kagame wants a winning team. He needs a team to drive forward the new growth agenda clearly stipulated in the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS). Ideally, this new programme which should set us on a path towards a middle income nation needs a hands-on, focused and committed team, ready to throw its full weight behind implementation and realisation of this ambitious agenda. The urge is made more pertinent by the fact that the donor community seems to have given this programme a thumbs-up as reflected in the latest World Bank US$ 70m grant to Rwanda. But again, the reshuffle brings along new challenges for some government institutions. Many of these institutions have been dormant, hiding behind a certain ministry or minister as the principal answering authority. With the demise of these ministries or ministers, these institutions have been given a new mantle of fully and independently implementing their missions and visions without constant supervision. A piece of advice to the distinguished former ministers: lack of a cabinet posting does not mean end of the road. Broadly, this is the right time for you to even serve your nation in a more enhanced and relaxed manner. The end of a cabinet posting should not mark an end to unwavering service to your country. The new appointees should re-focus, re-ignite and re-energise their fundamental resolve to making Rwanda a better place for its people and most especially, its children! Ends