Rwanda is winning the development battle hands down

THE result is spectacular. By giving buzz to a country at one point devastated by the worst human tragedy in modern history, the Government has taken over all the battles and cut the ground completely from under the feet of its critics. Already, Rwanda is being cited as exemplary on a wide range of achievements, besides its celebrated economic miracle: its quick adaptation to change, its foresight in being among the first in Africa to fully embrace technology, its preparedness in the face of global threats of terrorism and other pandemics, and her readiness to help her neighbours whenever there is need.It has won hands down. Indeed, it is well on its way to achieving its ideal of the Rwanda society - one that will always be governed by a group of responsible, honest, hardworking men and women who will ensure utmost probity among themselves, through continuous self-monitoring and self-renewal. This perfectly efficient and effective leadership is possible because it is in tune with the demands of the population, and is not bothered by naysayers who, at the least, are like small, pesky dogs yapping at the heels and, at the worst, a cancer to the body politic that has to be excised quickly.In a troubled world where so much has gone wrong, the Rwanda model may yet be the new ‘African’ model and this time without the qualifying ‘but’. There is no doubt that Rwanda’s democracy is a work in progress. The key is good governance. Being a small country with no natural resources except our people, we have to be pragmatic. Broadly speaking, Rwanda democracy serves two objectives.First, the rule of law. Good governance requires the rule of law. Without proper laws defining the limits of freedom, there can be no freedom. Without good laws protecting property rights, investments will not be made and long term development will be affected. Having good laws on the statute books is not enough. Laws must be implemented and enforced fairly and consistently in a transparent way or they risk becoming dead letters or, worse, instruments of oppression. Corruption is always a problem that has to be combated.Second, a balance must be struck between the short term and the long term, and between the interest of the individual and the interest of the community. Electoral politics put pressure on governments to respond quickly to the needs of voters. All this is good but the problem with electoral politics is that the time horizon of political leaders shortens and pandering to the demands of special interest groups may be unavoidable. Larger and longer term considerations are often set aside as politicians concentrate on winning the next elections. There is always a strong temptation to be populist, to borrow from the future, because the future has no votes, instead of investing in it. By taking a pragmatic approach, Rwanda’s democratic system is geared specifically to the needs and aspirations of the people. The Rwanda model is succeeding to the extent that I feel it is ripe enough for other democracies in Africa that are very anxious to wean or distance themselves from Western prototypes, but still want to stay within the fold, to adopt. Our founding fathers fought for independence. That generation is fading away. Today we are at another threshold. Our generation will have to take over the mantle of responsibility and lift Africa to new heights. We must do it. Step forward and make Africa a continent with a buzz, and a home for us all.