Arrests of army generals for flouting the law and probing of high profile government officials has been in the limelight of the local media for the past weeks. The mentality, traced to the genocidal regimes, that men in the uniform are above the law was unravelled by the arrest of Brigadier Generals Kaka and Frank Rusagara. Even Legislator Sam Kanyemera too was, arrested. Another nearly endless list of official under probe went public during the same week. Talk of Secretary Generals, MPs, heads of public institutions being probed. Commerce minister also PL party president Protais Mitali is being investigated for alleged corruption as well. The latest news is that Finance minister, James Musoni, has been implicated. It is such stories that have characterized conversations of government shots in the upscale places. It has been rumoured that several public servants and shots have their ears to the ground twenty four hours. For reasons, they have described as ‘obvious’. At first glance, the newsworthiness of the stories will attract any reader and I have no quarrel with that. But, when you begin digesting the content, a sense of patriotism will sob throw the marrows and a breeze of change slaps the readers face. Very few belong to the latter category. The events should be an eye opener to the rest. The 7-year government programme, which puts good governance, justice, welfare and poverty alleviation in uncompromised position, will see many leaders go behind bars. The four are government priorities for the seven years. Those who do not want to change; change will change them so a gimmick goes. Since the rule of law returned to this country; thirteen years ago, all Rwandans are equal and the latest events have demonstrated two things. One, that impunity is a thing of the past. Two, that Rwandans and in particular President Paul Kagame are not ready to tolerate any barrier to development. Every culprit will face the law. What do we mean by ‘good governance’? It does not only mean gender quality, participation of civil society organizations, public and private sectors, but it involves ethics. By ethics I mean accountability, transparency, integrity, effectiveness and efficiency, responsiveness, representation, the voice, et cetera. Currently under threat are the components of accountability, transparency, and integrity. The point is the government cannot successfully fight poverty without these three virtues. Since leaders are custodians of national resources and their decisions affect the populace in both the short and long-run, then, ethics among the leaders should not be compromised. It is time the chaff is sifted from wheat. The media, a watchdog played its role to the satisfaction of Rwandans by exposing the filth in the public offices. In so doing, they are articulating the needs of Rwandans. And, there is no more pro-development journalism than this. The media acted professionally by being impartial, non-partisan and non-sensational. It is such anti-corruption measures that make Rwanda the best country for both Rwandans and foreigners to stay and invest in. It is such success stories that have characterized the thirteen years that have made Rwanda a model country in the area of good governance in the developing world. Ends
