Every July 4, Rwanda celebrates the Liberation Day. This day marks the end of the 100-day 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
This set Rwanda on a course of unity, reconciliation and democracy and allowed for the promotion of holistic social-economic growth for all Rwandan citizens.
When we looked back 28 years ago, Rwanda was a nation in turmoil and suffering. More than 1,000,000 people were killed in the genocide against Tutsi. Even before the genocide, the economy had been in decline by 50%. Inflation was at an all-time high of 64% and poverty at 78%.
The infrastructure was dilapidated, a large number of displaced persons, and more than 140,000 genocide suspects in prisons as well as inexistent institutional frameworks.
These were all compounded by capacity gaps. Some had died in the genocide; others fled the country while others were in prison for their participation in the Genocide.
Every Rwandan can see the true meaning and value of liberation in every aspect of their lives, from a once-destroyed nation to what Rwanda is today. The country has been a role-model for many countries around the globe.
Twenty-eight year later, the country has established strong governance institutions, experienced rapid economic growth, and managed macroeconomic stability that is resilient against shocks. It has also seen remarkable poverty reduction, decreased inequality, and increased access services such as education and financial inclusion.
The country has achieved unshakeable peace and security, and even contributes regional security with successful peacekeeping operations already sent to Mozambique and South Soudan, Haiti and the Central African Republic.
According to the Reconciliation barometer, the target of unity, reconciliation and social cohesion, which was set at 98%, was achieved five years in advance, reaching 98% in 2015.
Additionally, the government has taken steps to improve the health and quality life of its citizens. This is why their well-being remains at center of government programming.
Rwanda has successfully eliminated grass-thatched housing, while planned settlements have significantly improved the quality life of rural Rwandans.
According to 2017 statistics, 67.2% lived in planned villages, also called “planned villages”. Imidugudu. Access to clean water was also at 88.5% in 2016.
Since 2019, Community-Based Health Insurance, also known by Mutuelle de Sante covered 96% of the population, and the country achieved a life expectancy of 69 in 2019 from just 26 years in 1993.
Rwanda’s economy consistently grew by an average of 7.2% from 2000 to 2019 and the country’s GDP rose by about 5% annually.
This success is credited to its visionary leadership, good governance, and accountability – which led to low corruption levels, citizen participation, and decentralization; as well as the adoption of an inclusive development model marked by gender equality, pro-poor policies, and promotion of unity and solidarity.
One cannot also forget to mention Rwanda’s next milestone of becoming a knowledge-based economy and our overall development agenda. This, naturally, led to investments in human capital, primarily through education, capacity building, and gender empowerment. A special focus was placed on results-oriented institutional frameworks via performance contracts to ensure we reach our desired destination.
Rwanda has instituted universal education that grants all citizens free access for 12 years to basic education. The country also encourages the use of ICT. All government services can be accessed online within the shortest time possible.
In addition, Rwanda is globally known for women’s empowerment and their involvement at all levels of decision-making is also another facet of liberation”, with 62% of Rwanda’s Parliament and ranking 3rd in the world to achieve this.
Umuganda Gacaca, Girinka, and other home-grown initiatives are also supported.), and innovations built on the positives from the Rwandan culture and identity such as Agaciro (dignity), Kwigira, Ubudashyikirwa (excellence) groomed as key pillars to fuel holistic citizen-centered development, and the country’s self-reliance.
For example, Rwanda was able, despite the Covid-19 impact, to finance its annual national budget at 84.8% for 2020/2021 financial year, compared to 30% in 1995.
This commitment to continued liberation as a nation has led to what is today, often referred to as “Rwanda’s development miracle”. Except for Rwandans themselves, only few people can believe that anything closer to where we are now could be possible in such a short period of time – indeed, less than 3 decades.
Rwanda now leads Africa and the world in many of the development indicators: The country ranks as the 1st safest place in Africa (World Travel Guide, 2018), 2nd Easiest Place to do Business in Sub-Saharan Africa (WB Report 2019), 3rd in Cyber Security in Africa (Global Cyber Security Index 2018), 7th Global Most efficient Government (World Economic Forum, 2015), 9th Best Place to be a Woman (Gallup Global Report 2019, WEF: Global Gender Gap Index 2020).
Therefore, as we celebrate Rwanda’s Liberation Day, let us reflect on our country’s success stories as a definition of the true meaning of liberation. Let us remember those who gave power to Rwanda and liberated it, and let them know that we are proud of their achievements.
It’s indeed time to join forces as we pursue our continued liberation in an even greater way, and in all aspects of our lives as proud citizens through striving for accelerated development, self-reliance, and continued excellence of this beautiful, great nation of Rwanda.
Pierre-Damien Habumuremyi, Ph.D., is a Political Science Expert and Patrice Habinshuti, Ph.D., is an International Development Expert.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com
Source: rnewtimes
