Three wishes for Rwanda

I have three wishes for Rwanda. For many years in Rwanda’s history, people from all over the world have come and invaded us, captured our lands, and conquered our minds. The Germans, the Belgians, the French, all of them came and looted us, took over what was ours. Yet, we have not done this to any other nation. We have not conquered anyone, or grab their land, their culture, their history and tried to enforce our way of life on them. Why? Among many others, I believe the major reason is because Rwandans believe and respect the freedom of others. That is why my first wish for Rwandans is to uphold their love of freedom. This love of freedom should transcend all races, religions, color and above all borders. This love of freedom is what should continue to define Rwanda as we navigate the 21st century. As a matter of fact, Rwandans have played a critical role in defending and protecting the freedom of others for many decades: from Uganda, Mozambique, DR Congo, Sudan, Haiti and many others countries. I believe that Rwandans strengthened their resolve to stand for freedom long before we even started the war of liberating the country in 1990. It is this freedom that we must protect and nurture and build on. If we are not free, no one will respect us.My second wish for Rwanda is to eventually reach a developed country status in my lifetime. For over fifty years we have been a developing nation. It is time we see ourselves in a new light- first as a middle income nation, and eventually a developed nation. Rwanda is well on track: we are among top 5 nations in Africa across all the major economic indices, our economy is growing at record rates- registering double digit growth year-on-year is our forte, our poverty levels are drastically falling and our achievements are being globally recognized today. But, my major concern despite all these good news is that a cross-section of Rwandans lacks the self-confidence to see ourselves as a nation on the move. Isn’t this incorrect?I have a third wish. Rwanda must and should stand up to the world. Because I believe that unless Rwanda stands up to the world, no one will respect us. Only strength respects strength. We must be strong not only as a military power but also as an economic power. Both must go hand-in-hand. All Rwandans should consider that being Rwandan is the greatest opportunity of life. Now, this is where it all gets complicated. Why is Rwanda constantly vilified in foreign press despite all of our achievements? Why is the media there so negative? I honestly have no answer. But, what I think Rwandans should do to counter all this negativity is for all of us to recognize our strengths and achievements by displaying them on our necks as medals of honor. We have so many successes yet some of us refuse to take them at heart and acknowledge them. Why? Do we not realize that self-respect comes with self-appreciation?You might be wondering, why such an article? Well, it all began when I asked a 12 year old girl what her goal in life is: she replied: I want to live in a developed Rwanda. For her, you and I will have to build this developed Rwanda. You must proclaim that Rwanda is not an under-developed nation; it is a country on its way to becoming a developed nation. Let us do what Rwanda needs from us.In echoing J. F Kennedy’s words to his fellow Americans, but relating it to Rwandans: “ask what we can do for Rwanda, and do what has to be done to make Rwanda what America and other Western countries are today.”