It has been an eventful time in Rwanda the last week or so. So many things happening and all shining a light on Rwanda and the country coming out bright.
Top of the list of major events has to be the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron. It was, if you like, the event. The visit was surrounded by a lot of expectations and perhaps uncertainties.
One word was eagerly awaited, if not universally welcome, on this visit – apology. Some would have loved to hear it; others loathed the very idea.
For the majority in Rwanda, but especially the survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi, that would mark another step in the healing process and the beginning of a fresh relationship, a sort of closure to a horrible past.
In France uttering the word would mean admission of French complicity in the genocide. That would be unacceptable to nationalists and racists who would regard it as an affront to national pride and cannot imagine apologising to an African. The ordinary French would probably welcome it if they knew the facts.
For genocide perpetrators living in France, it would spell the end of their comfort. Those who hold a genocide ideology, genocide deniers, and the proponents of a double genocide theory, would have the ground give way under them.
In the end the word was not uttered but President Macron managed to meet the expectations of Rwandans, if only partially, and the concerns of the French. The only ones who came off worst were the genocidaires and an alliance of genocide deniers and promoters of the double genocide theory.
He struck the right notes, chose the correct time and place, and adopted a solemn, respectful demeanour to make a public admission of French responsibility.
If apology was the word in everyone’s expectations, there was another, not entirely expected, but that was actually spoken – truth. Truth appears to have been the unstated theme of the visit. President Kagame actually said it five times in his remarks at a joint press conference.
This is not a word you expect to hear a lot in events of high diplomatic and political import such as President Macron’s visit. Usually there would be careful statements and delicate steps so as not to upset any sensitivities.
Not exactly so this time. Both Presidents Macron and Paul Kagame were forthright in their statements. President Kagame called things by their name. If it was racism, he didn’t clothe it in various adjectives, but called it out as it is.
The point was clear. Good and enduring relations can only be built on truth. Putting the past behind in order to move forward unencumbered depends on it.
From delicate diplomacy to exciting sports. The other big happening was the Basketball Africa League (BAL) inaugural completion. Even with the limited fans allowed into the Kigali Arena, it brought out all the excitement, and more importantly, Africa’s abundant talent.
The support of the fans was phenomenal. The competitive spirit exceptional. The quality of play outstanding, although the local side, Patriots, have to improve their passing game and dealing with rebounds.
The organisation was meticulous and flawless, at least to the outside observer. There were probably anxieties, fear of hiccups, and the threat of Covid-19. But if there were, we didn’t see them. We only saw a spectacular sporting event, no doubt the beginning of many more to come.
The light this time was on Rwanda as a destination for world-class sports events. And what it revealed was pleasing – a hospitable nation, enthusiastic supporters, top class organisation, world level facilities, and talent to match. It vindicated the faith of Rwanda’s leaders in making the investment and the organisers of BAL in putting up the event.
The presidential visit and BAL came together when the two presidents, Kagame and Macron, attended the quarter final match between Rwanda’s Patriots and Ferroviario de Maputo from Mozambique. The two were seen in conversation most of the time.
The celebratory mood in the Kigali Arena, away from the restraining atmosphere of formal state functions, seems to have provided a good background for an informal, friendly conversation. It spelt the spirit of what restored relations would look like.
These two events were planned. The third was an act of nature, and although predictable not preventable. Mount Nyiragongo volcano in DR Congo, on the border with Rwanda, erupted as it is wont to do every so often. Hot lava went cascading down its sides towards the lakeside town of Goma.
Terrified residents fled across the border to Rwanda. The response was swift. They were given shelter. Relief was quickly organised and distributed. Top officials were soon on the scene. The hospitality of ordinary Rwandans exceeded the expectations of their fleeing guests.
The impression you get from listening to the Congolese talk about their experience is one of being overwhelmed by the warm reception. It seems they had not expected it. Some had been hurling insults at Rwanda. Others had been dismissive of their little neighbour. Turns out Rwanda is a priceless neighbour with a big and warm heart
The eruption was soon followed by menacing rumblings from the belly of the earth that shook and brought down houses, and cracked the ground and everything else in the path of the fracture. Again people run, the Congolese back to Rwanda; Rwandans to Musanze and Kigali, anywhere far from the tremors. Only this time some sought to benefit from the exodus by multiplying fares several-fold.
Rwanda was again under the spotlight. Its ability to handle emergencies and organise relief effort, and the human spirit were tested and found not wanting.
The views expressed in this article are of the writer.