Everyone, even sceptics and optimists, agree that these are truly hard times. All recognise the disruption of practically all aspects of life and the uncertainty about when things will return to normal. What’s perhaps different is how people respond to the times. We humans are generally a complaining lot whatever the circumstances. In good times and bad we will go on about things not going quite right and blame everyone else but themselves. Hard times bring out these dissatisfactions in stark relief, even those that appear unconnected to the moment. Most people will complain more than usual but do little more. It is human nature, I suppose, or at any rate that’s what we say. A few, however, gird themselves to confront the difficult times and try to get the better of them. These, we say, are exceptional as if to say that what they have done is not expected of them or is not human nature. That also is, well, human nature. Given a choice, some of those complaining would rather live elsewhere than their countries. That’s the impression one gets from comments in the media and other public utterances in the region, often amplified or originated by foreign media. Most of the dissatisfaction is with leaders and governments. You hear this, for instance, the leaders are selfish and uncaring, except for their families and friends. They even take the Covid-19 vaccine in secret while the rest are left to cope as best they can. Or they bemoan the ramshackle or non-existent public social infrastructure, especially health and education, and say it is no wonder it’s like that because the leaders have no need for it. They go to private hospitals or travel abroad for medical needs. They raise the alarm about their leaders looting of national wealth. Or foreigners doing so. Often, both in collusion. Their systems don’t work or they are opaque and inefficient. They complain of information blackouts that keep citizens in the dark about so many issues. These complaints and more have been loudest in these Covid-19 times. Of course all the things being grumbled about are not new. They have been there, in the open or under the surface unseen because, well, they were covered. Now Covid-19 has removed the lid in more senses than one. And so, some of the citizens of these countries where dissatisfaction is strongest would probably want away if they had the option. Not so some of us. We would not exchange this little paradise (admittedly still in the making) for anywhere else. If I were ever asked where I would want to live in times like these, the answer would be quick and simple. In a place that assures me of my safety, provides certainty, where matters are predictable, where I would not be shocked or surprised by every happening. That place is Rwanda. I have seen or heard of fewer places where they recognise any threat immediately and quickly take appropriate action to protect citizens and foreigners on its soil. The measures may sometimes be very tough and painful but we stick to them because they have been explained. We may be asked to make sacrifices, forgo some pleasures, even rights, but we do so willingly because we know it is all in the common interest, the collective safety of all. They are not demands based on someone’s whims or the caprices of another. Of course, there will always be some who grumble. That’s to be expected. It would be an unfamiliar world without grumblers. You might say again it is also part of human nature. Only in few places would everything possible be done to mitigate the effects of the painful measures. These actions extend to animals, especially those genetically closest to us. I am sure you would also want to live in a place, where when remedies to such threats as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic become available, it is among the first to get and use them. The moment vaccines were obtained this country was able to immediately inoculate people of all classes and nationalities on Rwandan soil, even prison inmates, including those that have visited terror on the land. Where else have you heard that happen? All of which make me wonder: with all these people-inspired actions, where do some people find all those horrible things they say and write about our country and leaders? If I knew how I would curse them so that the words would dry in their throats and become stiff on their fingers. But I don’t and can only urge them to open their eyes and hearts and see what there is. Whether they see the light or not, we are happy to live in a country that is always ready to respond to any circumstances in order to keep its people safe. The views expressed in this article are of the writer.
