Democratic ideology should begin at home

Editor,This is with reference to Liban Mugabo’s opinion titled, “The Rwanda Paradox”, which was published in The New Times on May 22. First, I would like to say that the article was spot on.Like they say ‘one shirt doesnt fit all’, and if these so called human rights activists really cared about us theyd appreciate that democracy requires strong local institutions to guarantee its survival.I have quite often seen Africans rush to adopt Western democratic ideology and, instead, end up with coups and anarchy that leave their countries and people to suffer the consequences. The aftermath of such choices is usually devastating and sometimes develops into a vicious circle.Take an example from the current situation in Mali where Western governments have imposed an embargo on the country, while threats of war continue to come from its neighbours. In the end, it is the people of Mali who will suffer whatever consequences of this patronizing intervention of western governments and so-called human rights groups.Liban’s article is a reminder to all Rwandans of where they have come from and never to forget how they have got where they are today. Africa, at large, needs to promote its homegrown solutions to address its challenges as opposed to adopting western practices wholesale.Jamaal

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Democratic ideology should begin at home