Kabarebe meets Wharton students

The Minister of Defence, James Kabarebe, yesterday lectured visiting American students about the country’s post conflict management and the role that security organs played in reconstruction and development. The group of 27 students, pursuing various disciplines from Wharton University of Pennsylvania, is on four-day study tour of the country. Kabarebe explained to the students the historical background of the country as well as the path towards socio-economic transformation in the aftermath of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Speaking to The New Times after the closed-door meeting, RDF Spokesperson, Col Joseph Nzabamwita, noted that the students were interested in learning firsthand how good leadership is steering the country towards sustainable development. “Their discussion with the Minister touched on several topics, but mainly the role of security organs in post conflict reconstruction and development, as well as the good leadership that has helped move this country forward,” he said. Nzabamwita further noted that though the students were drawn into post conflict discussions, they were also interested in the leadership skills that the government instituted after the political upheavals in the country. Katherine J. Klein, PhD, head of the delegation, pointed out that Rwanda is developing rapidly despite the devastation left after decades of bad leadership. “We are so interested in Rwanda’s success story because the country’s economy is growing fast and the minister explained to us the role security has played in the economic development,” she said. Klein also observed that as students pursuing political science, it was a chance for them to learn the good leadership skills from Rwanda, which she said, would help them shape their future as leaders. Though some students were interested in leadership skills, Elizabeth Dahan, a business studies student, said that she wanted to establish the possible opportunities for American businesses in Rwanda. “I have discovered that there so many business opportunities in Rwanda, especially in the areas of ICT, energy and other sectors. Rwanda is among the best countries in the world where someone can invest and be sure of returns, especially because of the availability of security,” she said. eric.kabeera@newtimes.co.rw

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Kabarebe meets Wharton students