Writing a new story in Rwanda’s history

Justice Minister Tharcisse Karugarama is an enviable man. Those who have had a chance to interact with him will attest to his unrivaled sense of humour. As a guest at a wedding or local state function, the wit and charm with which he delivers his message will leave many a listener with cracking ribs.I recall a time at a public function in Huye district where Minister Karugarama, as a guest of honour, was called to deliver the message of the day. He took to the podium, but before he could utter a word, the expectant crowd was already teeming into fits of laughter. His charming presence had cast a magic sweeping ecstasy onto the crowd.True to his reputation, he began by thanking the residents for attending the function in large numbers. In what was to attract prolonged laughter, Karugarama acknowledged the speech by the sector executive secretary and added; “whatever the executive secretary said I have also said.” He went on to ‘own’ speeches delivered by different speakers including the district Mayor and finally, wished all the people in attendance happy celebrations and resumed his seat! The function ended and we all returned home.But there was yet another encounter with the learned fellow. Institute of Legal Practice and Development in Nyanza district was the venue. Addressing the first cohort of students at the institution, Karugarama made a statement that I have had to reflect on two years later. “You should be proud of being part of the transformation of this country, you are making history,” Karugarama told students drawn from various departments of the Justice sector. The transformation in the judicial sector that the burly minister was alluding to was only a small part of the total transformation in the life of a country that only a few years ago was brought on its knees by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It was a total write-off, a basket case.Eighteen years down the lane, we are witnessing a socio-political and economic recovery story in Rwanda never seen in recent history. This has attracted friends and foes alike. We are now losing count of accolades from regional and international organisations. The country’s home grown initiatives like Gacaca, Umuganda, Itorero, as well as the Unity and Reconciliation drive which, to many, seemed an illusion and many other ingenious initiatives have elevated the country onto a pedestal leading many to marvel; how did Rwanda pull it off? Giant strides in education, security, health, agriculture, governance, justice and private sector development have presented Rwanda as a case study for many countries struggling to break free from the shackles of bad governance, poverty, disease and hunger.A visiting friend recently remarked: “the good thing with Rwanda is that development is evenly spread, it is not just in Kigali.” He couldn’t have put it any better. A trip to the countryside will reveal a committed population united by the desire to build their country. People don’t have to wait for government to build a classroom for their children; they come together as a community, put their resources together and build it. Government only comes in to supplement these efforts. This is how over 3,000 classrooms were built across the country under the award winning Nine Year Basic Education programme.This is the same spirit that has seen local residents participate in construction of village roads, water channels, contribute funds towards electricity connections and much more. After failing to find a plausible explanation for this steadfast participation of the local population in the development of their country, ‘experts on Rwanda’ have come to a laughable explanation; the people are forced into these activities!Just as roses are strewn with thorns, it has not all been a smooth sailing, but the Rwandan spirit of nation building has always prevailed. The longing for Agaciro (dignity) has spurred them on. Just recently, some countries chose to freeze aid on the basis of a highly contentious UN report alleging Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.Rwandans from all walks of life have responded by digging deep in their wallets to contribute to national development. ‘The hottest fire makes the finest steel’ seems to be the mantra here. The Agaciro Development Fund, meant to mobilise resources locally for development activities only launched recently, has surpassed Rwf12 billion and still counting.This is part of a Rwandan story that has never been authored, seen, experienced or initiated anywhere on the African continent; ordinary citizens pooling resources for nation building, not through taxation but through voluntary, generous and gleeful fundraising. With everyone’s involvement, citizens and development partners alike, this story can only get better. Now is the time to be part of this history making process.