The National Dialogue, or the National Umushyikirano Council by its proper name, always has some surprises in store, and this year, there were several to choose from on the first day. The meeting gives one a picture of the country’s health in all colours; the successes, the challenges and projections for the next year. What cannot be disputed is that every National Dialogue supersedes the previous one and each leaves behind rich lessons on how hard work pays. But, most importantly, the country’s path to reconciliation where all Rwandans are invited to the same table, without fear or favour, is the biggest success story. None can depict that success than a young man who took the floor with a moving story that left everyone in awe. Maurice Willy Mukiza is the son of the current head of the FDLR militia operating in eastern DR Congo, Maj. Gen Pacifique Ntawunguka. Ntawunguka took over the leadership of the armed group last month after the killing last month of Maj Gen Silvestre Mudacumura by the Congolese armed forces. The fresh Engineering graduate told the gathering that he and his siblings did not expect to be recipients of government scholarships by virtue of who their father was. They are enjoying the fruits of this country’s inclusive politics, a far cry from what their father stands for. That is the folly of ideological bankruptcy; here is a man who is using young peasants as cannon fodder deep in the Congo while the Government he has sworn to destroy is taking care of his own children. The young man’s story– and many other similar ones– is a testimony that Rwanda made the right choice of rebuilding the country on the premise that all are equal under the law. Rwandans, whatever their backgrounds, history or even any skeletons in their cupboards, are one.
