As we accompany the year 2013 on its final journey, one cannot help but look back at it with satisfaction of what we achieved as a nation.It was a year when the words ‘Kwigira’ or ‘Self-reliance’ and ‘Rwandan Spirit’ made their entry into the mainstream Rwandan vocabulary and became the foundation on which to chart the country’s course.That same Rwandan spirit helped it wade through the Congolese mess that was thrown its way, and resisted assaults from a bevy of “UN Group of Experts” whose only expertise was in fertile imagination.The world – especially Africa – was not blind to Rwanda’s achievements and many a delegation came to learn a few lessons; ranging from secrets behind decentralisation, Mutuelle de Sante and the armed forces’ savings scheme, to name but a few.At the United Nations Security Council, Rwanda assumed its two-year non-permanent member seat and added value to a wide-range of deliberations and resolutions, including on the global campaign against gender based violence and peace efforts.The economy made leaps and bounds spurred on by a budding service sector, a resurgent mining industry and new tourism packages that put our own “Kwita Izina” on a must-see itinerary.The list is not exhaustive, but just a tip of the iceberg, an indication that 2014 will take this country to greater heights if we maintain the course.This opportunity cannot pass without thanking our loyal readers and partners for a yet another fruitful year that was made possible by your invaluable input. May we continue the spirit as we usher in the New Year.Happy New Year!
