Every year on July 4th, Rwanda celebrates the country Liberation Day, the day on which the RPA forces stopped the 100-day 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, and fully liberated the nation from a genocidal regime. This then set the country on a trajectory of unity, reconciliation, and democracy, and the furtherance of holistic social-economic development of all Rwandan citizens. Looking back at our nation 28 years ago, Rwanda was a bleeding and suffering nation, with more than 1,000,000 million lives lost in the genocide against Tutsi. Even slightly before the genocide, the economy was ailing; and had shrunk by 50% with inflation at a record 64%, and a poverty rate at 78%. The infrastructure was dilapidated, a large number of displaced persons, and more than 140,000 genocide suspects in prisons as well as inexistent institutional frameworks. All these were compounded by capacity gaps, because, while some had been killed in the genocide, others had fled the country while the others were in prison, having participated in the Genocide. From a once-shattered nation to what Rwanda has become today, every Rwandan can see the true meaning of liberation of our nation in all facets of life. The country has gone on to become a role model for the development journey of many nations across the world. Twenty-eight years later, the country has built robust governance institutions, rapid economic growth, and overseen macroeconomic stability that is resilient to shocks; and recorded remarkable poverty reduction, reduced inequality, and increased access to services including health, education, and financial inclusion. Above all, the country has also achieved unshakable peace and security and even contributes to regional security, with successful peacekeeping missions already sent to Mozambique, South Soudan, Haiti, and the Central African Republic. According to the Reconciliation Barometer, the target for unity, reconciliation, and social cohesion which was set at 98.3% was hit five years in advance, reaching 98.7% in 2015. Furthermore, the government has committed to improving the health and quality of life of its citizens, and their well-being remains at the center of government programming and action. Rwanda has successfully eliminated grass-thatched houses while planned settlements have significantly revamped the quality of life of Rwandans living in rural areas. As per 2017 statistics, 67.2% of Rwandan rural population lived in planned villages, also known as Imidugudu. In addition, access to clean water reached 88.5% in 2016. As of 2019, Community-Based Health Insurance, also known as Mutuelle de Sante covered 96% of the population, and the country achieved a life expectancy of 69 in 2019 from just 26 years in 1993. Rwanda’s economy consistently grew by an average of 7.2% from 2000 to 2019 and the country’s GDP rose by about 5% annually. This success is credited to its visionary leadership, good governance, and accountability – which led to low corruption levels, citizen participation, and decentralization; as well as the adoption of an inclusive development model marked by gender equality, pro-poor policies, and promotion of unity and solidarity. One cannot also forget to mention Rwanda’s next milestone of becoming a knowledge-based economy and our overall development agenda. This, of course, triggered investments in human capital mainly through education, capacity building, gender empowerment, and a special focus on results-oriented institutional frameworks through performance contracts to make sure we reach our desired destination as a nation. Rwanda instituted universal education which grants free access to 12 years of basic education to all citizens. The country has also promoted the use of ICT, and all government services can be accessed online in the shortest period of time possible. In addition, Rwanda is globally known for women’s empowerment and their involvement at all levels of decision-making is also another facet of liberation”, with 62% of Rwanda’s Parliament and ranking 3rd in the world to achieve this. In addition, home-grown initiatives such as Umuganda, Gacaca, Girinka etc.), and innovations built on the positives from the Rwandan culture and identity such as Agaciro (dignity), Kwigira, Ubudashyikirwa (excellence) groomed as key pillars to fuel holistic citizen-centered development, and the country’s self-reliance. For example, despite the impact of Covid-19, Rwanda was able to finance its national annual budget at 84.8% in 2020/2021 financial year compared to 30% in 1995. This commitment to continued liberation as a nation has led to what is today, often referred to as “Rwanda’s development miracle”. Except for Rwandans themselves, only few people can believe that anything closer to where we are now could be possible in such a short period of time – indeed, less than 3 decades. Rwanda now leads Africa and the world in many of the development indicators: The country ranks as the 1st safest place in Africa (World Travel Guide, 2018), 2nd Easiest Place to do Business in Sub-Saharan Africa (WB Report 2019), 3rd in Cyber Security in Africa (Global Cyber Security Index 2018), 7th Global Most efficient Government (World Economic Forum, 2015), 9th Best Place to be a Woman (Gallup Global Report 2019, WEF: Global Gender Gap Index 2020). Therefore, as we celebrate Rwanda’s Liberation Day, let us reflect on our country’s success stories as a definition of the true meaning of liberation. Let us thank those who liberated the nation and gave it the power to exist again, and let us make them proud through the liberation journey that followed our Liberation Day in 1994. It’s indeed time to join forces as we pursue our continued liberation in an even greater way, and in all aspects of our lives as proud citizens through striving for accelerated development, self-reliance, and continued excellence of this beautiful, great nation of Rwanda. Pierre-Damien Habumuremyi (Ph.D),is a Political Science Expert while Patrice Habinshuti (Ph.D) is an International Development Expert. The views expressed in this article are of the writer.
