'A standard of good governance’: Reflections on Rwanda at 31

As Rwanda marks 31 years since its liberation and the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the country’s transformation continues to draw attention across the region, and beyond. ALSO READ: From struggle to strength: Young Rwandans on liberation’s legacy Rwanda is widely viewed as a model of recovery, resilience, and governance. From London to Nairobi to Bujumbura, observers reflect on how Rwanda’s post-genocide journey is influencing political discourse, development models, and the very idea of African self-reliance. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s liberation is a dream come true - Amb Rwakazina We spoke to regional voices, historians, journalists, researchers, and policymakers, to understand how Rwanda’s Liberation is shaping political discourse, governance models, and regional integration. Prof. PLO Lumumba, a prominent Pan-Africanist and rights activist, said that the 1994 Genocide was so unprecedented that many observers had already written Rwanda’s obituary. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda’s Campaign Against Genocide Museum: A story etched in walls, monuments “It was never imagined that Rwanda would rise like it did—like a phoenix,” he said. Reflecting on the international response during the 1994 Genocide, he added: “The UN failed, the OAU failed, the East African Community failed. The former colonisers like Belgium were complicit, and we now know the French were complicit as well.” He argued that Rwanda’s liberation was not just military but ideological, a break from neo-colonial structures imposed by the Belgians and perpetuated through ethnic divisions. ALSO READ: A historical timeline of Belgium's divisive politics in Rwanda Lumumba sees the 31-year journey as liberation from selfish leadership and a bold statement that Africans can solve their problems. “When our people are organised and determined, they can provide solutions to their problems without always going back to the colonisers,” he said. “When history is written, it will be said of the Rwandan liberation that it was unprecedented and a hallmark from which many lessons can be drawn.” ‘Shared responsibility in addressing national and global challenges’ He credited Rwanda’s progress to focused and determined leadership, which he said restored national pride, fostered social cohesion, and driven economic recovery. “That is why Rwanda, small as she is, is becoming the capital of technological innovation in the region.” MP Amb. Fatuma Ndangiza, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), echoed Lumumba. Rwanda’s Liberation Day celebrates the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and marks the country’s transformation into a nation that embraces unity, reconciliation, accountable governance, and sustainable development, she said. Rwanda’s model is now a reference point for post-conflict recovery and institutional reform in the region, she added. “It highlights the importance of self-reliance, unity, and shared responsibility in addressing national and global challenges.” Ndangiza emphasized Rwanda’s strong contributions to UN peacekeeping missions as part of its foreign policy to ensure regional stability. “The RDF’s path from liberation force to a peacekeeping force, alongside Rwanda National Police, has significantly contributed to governance and security in the EAC region and beyond.” Commenting on Rwanda’s broader reputation, Lumumba pointed to its growing visibility “Even in the African context, President Paul Kagame was chosen to lead the Kagame Reforms at the African Union, which shows that what is happening in Rwanda has not gone unnoticed.” “I always tell people in Kenya that if you want to see what order and cleanliness look like, go to Kigali—and not just Kigali, go to Musanze, go deeper into Rwanda. It’s not a city thing. It’s a Rwanda thing,” he said. Threat of genocidal forces defeated but not destroyed British investigative journalist and author Linda Melvern, who has extensively written about Rwanda since 1994, stressed that the country’s rebirth is the result of sheer hard work and sacrifice. “Others in the region must marvel at the strides made, hoping to copy this remarkable rebirth,” she said. Melvern added that Rwanda continues to face a sustained campaign of disinformation by genocidal forces defeated but not destroyed. “These forces continue to promote their racist ideology and remain determined to damage—if not destroy—the current government. This is not generally recognised by those writing about Rwanda today.” ALSO READ: The forces that RPA defeated to liberate Rwanda Frederick Golooba-Mutebi, a political analyst, said that liberation has elevated Rwanda’s role in regional diplomacy and integration. “It can be seen in the sheer number of countries that established and continue to establish embassies in the country,” he noted. Golooba said Rwanda is now widely regarded as an example to emulate, with its military and police forces praised for professionalism—largely due to their roles in peacekeeping and security cooperation. “Its initiatives in the sports and tourism arenas have also contributed a great deal to raising its profile regionally and internationally.” On Rwanda’s governance, he said: “There’s growing recognition that the political choices Rwanda has made have contributed to the peace and stability it continues to enjoy.” “Rwanda now has the most peaceful electoral processes in a region where political competition often triggers violence. This has not gone unnoticed.” ‘A standard of good governance that others aspire to’ Dr Alex Mvuka, an independent research consultant, said Rwanda’s economic transformation has had direct cross-border impacts. “The country has created a service industry that has benefited the entire region. Before 1994, Rwanda was largely closed. Today, it’s a hub for health and education.” He pointed to Kigali’s role as a transit point for mineral trade and the country’s banking systems, which have gained regional trust. “Rwanda has enabled regional countries, especially DR Congo, to trade more efficiently through Kigali.” Mvuka also highlighted Rwanda’s push for digitalisation and a cashless economy, saying these innovations have influenced regional standards. On governance, he said: “When you go to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, or Burundi, people are comparing themselves to Kigali. Rwanda has become a standard of good governance that others aspire to.” Rwanda’s openness to cross-border communities and decolonisation of identity has made it a safe haven for the region’s marginalised, he added. “People persecuted in the region came to Rwanda, got opportunities, travel documents, and became citizens. That has regional implications.” Mvuka said President Kagame’s reputation beyond Rwanda’s borders, is a testament to the country’s regional influence. “He is seen as a role model. That tells you something about Rwanda’s standing today.”

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'A standard of good governance’: Reflections on Rwanda at 31