I just returned from Rwanda a few days ago and am still processing the experience; it is hard to express how impressed I was by the turnaround this country has made. After being engulfed in arguably the most brutal genocide in human history only 15 years ago, Rwanda is now the shining star of central Africa. The capital, Kigali, is one of the cleanest and safest cities I have ever been in despite the immense poverty that still grips the country.
The success of Rwanda is truly miraculous and much of it can be attributed to President Kagame. While it is often true that we overrate the contributions of individuals to historic events, it is hard to overstate Kagame’s influence. Without this one man, Rwanda could still be embroiled in bitter conflict that would threaten to tear the country apart.
Kagame is in effect a benign dictator, but it is hard to argue that what he has brought to the country has not been worth at least a temporary dimunition of political rights. Kagame has instated term limits that impose a maximum 14-year reign for the presidency, and if he sticks by this there will be plenty of time for Rwanda to develop a healthy democratic system.
After the genocide in 1994, the World Bank determined that Rwanda was a “non-viable” country, and yet today it attracts significant foreign investment, tourism, and compared to the turmoil in neighboring Kenya, the country remains extremely calm. While tensions remain beneath the surface it is amazing that after so much bloodshed reconciliation has been possible, such that the murderers and their victims coexist side by side.
After traveling in many parts of the developing world, what is so striking about Rwanda is how clearly it demonstrates that order, cleanliness, and an extremely low tolerance for corruption need not be accompanied by high standards of material wealth. Sometimes major changes can come through little more than the force of will of extremely powerful leaders. When used for ill this power can lead to atrocities and even genocide, but when used for good a single individual can initiate the regeneration of an entire society.
Here’s hoping that Rwanda can continue on its amazing path towards a brighter future.
Jason Scorse