Why do international media take Rwandans for granted

Mr Rugira is spot on in his submission; however, there is a point of view that his story didn’t bring to light as far as Rwanda’s political discourse is concerned.

Monday, October 02, 2017
Rwandans turned up in large numbers at President Paul Kagame's campaign rallies in the run-up to the August 4 polls. / File

Editor, RE: "Rwanda’s political messiahs” (The New Times, October 2).

Mr Rugira is spot on in his submission; however, there is a point of view that his story didn’t bring to light as far as Rwanda’s political discourse is concerned.

Take the example of Diane Rwigara. It is rather surprising that a person wakes up one morning and tweets criticising the Government, then the issue becomes international news—all international media and NGOs praising that individual as a critic of President Kagame!

Then, she becomes a reference point in all matters pertaining local politics.

You find no historical record on his/her journey in the country’s political arena, but all of a sudden the world is convincing us that such an individual is the right person to lead Rwandans, without any evidence of that capability.

Some people are taking Rwandans for granted, I guess. They take us as persons who cannot decide for ourselves, or people who don’t know what is good for us.

Seriously, the way Diane Rwigara is touted by powerful international media houses does not in any way, reflect her political profile. A mere six months since she expressed interest to do politics. She cannot even lead a small village.

Even Rwanda critics or dissidents know she was incapable of leading Rwanda, but only can be used to advance their selfish political agenda.

Look at Rwandan politics in comparison to the regional politics. Rwanda knows her path very well. This is disturbing to some of our western allies—the reason why they flood us with irrelevant issue because all relevant are under good care.

In attacking us, they will always use our compatriots to seek justification but nonetheless, this will not in any way slow our progress.

Yulian