Development and society’s reaction

As Rwanda plays the expected role in strengthening ties to the East African bloc, it has also just made it into the Commonwealth group of countries. The developments have indeed been attained with high and positive expectations. The country has also restored diplomatic relations with France. It has been noted that after three years when Rwanda and France lost diplomatic relations, the two heads of state finally agreed to restore the ties. It was also revealed that the development did not just erupt, but a process that the two presidents have been going through for a period of time. There has however been mixed reaction on the restoration of diplomatic ties with France given the history of the two nations, mostly basing on the effects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Eric Munyaneza, 45 is a businessman and one of the survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He says the restoration of Rwanda’s diplomacy should be a lesson to the world. “The world should learn from this experience and restoration, that hard times never last,” says Munyaneza who lost a wife during the 1994 genocide. He explains that currently, Rwanda is advancing both politically and economically, thus diplomats look at the country with hope and interest. He stresses that Rwandans should be proud and even ‘forget the time they were abandoned’. “We have to forget such time when we were abandoned so that we can focus even beyond what others expect of us,” he said. She added, “Fulfilling the requirements to join the Commonwealth is an achievement among others.” Claude Mutabazi is a student at Lycee de Kigali. He says that although he has only read about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the only way forward is to forgive each other. “I believe that there is nothing that can nurse people’s feelings about the horrific moments other than forgiving each other,” he notes. He adds that revenging or keeping a grudge is dangerous because it keeps the sad memories that may eventually force people to engage in wrong acts. “I support the revival of my country with France as a way forward for a better and peaceful Rwanda,” he says. Alice Uwera, 32, is a house wife and mother of four. She says the restoration of diplomatic ties with France is a challenge to powers that never bothered as Rwanda went through hard time of the Genocide. “This is a challenge that should not pass unnoticed. It was not easy to believe this country would at one time advance as it has,” Uwera says. She explains that it also proves that the country is implementing the real meaning of unity and reconciliation. “I am sure that true reconciliation has been realized not only in Rwanda, but even beyond with others.” She adds; “If we can reunite with France, what will limit us as Rwandans to forgive our brothers and sisters so that we unite and reconcile?” Like Munyaneza, Uwera too called-upon the society to welcome the restoration of diplomatic relations with France the same way the East African community and Commonwealth has been welcome. She urged that this will help the community in driving the country to another level. Ends