Kigali — President Paul Kagame, yesterday, emphasised that what developing nations like Rwanda need is a “meaningful relationship” with donors, where people are accorded the right to think and do what they think is in their best interest, and strongly stressed the need for accountability.

Addressing the 9th Government and Development Partners Meeting which began yesterday in Kigali, President Kagame said that developing countries do not need “endless lectures” but rather aid that can help in sustainable development.

The President singled out donors who use aid to interfere in the politics of recipient countries, noting that Rwandans are better placed to discern what is best for them

“I want to stress that Rwanda has long since come of age and that this government is part and parcel of our people, fully representative as they have so decided. And as we are able to manage our socio-economic process, so are we able to manage our political project,” he said.

“It is therefore sometimes uncalled for, that we become subjects of endless lectures of how we should manage ourselves. We know what is best for us. No one should pretend that they know better than us what we need for ourselves,” Kagame said.

He added that while development partners play a role in providing financial support to strengthen the democratic process, this can only succeed if the support is predictable, effective and supports the democratic processes a given country is building.

Kagame thanked the donors and said that Rwanda values the support it receives from the development partners and which has undoubtedly contributed to the good progress the country boasts of today.

“The aid received by countries like Rwanda, should seek to help us develop sustainably and in a dignified manner, rather than create dependency.

“In this meaningful relationship, we are always open to good ideas and innovations, but ultimately it is us who need to make the difficult decisions,” Kagame said.

Kagame noted that Rwanda has met its commitments and effected basic, yet critical, reforms in areas such as Public Financial Management, planning, audit and procurement procedures, which constitute a firm foundation for further reform and development adopted in the last meetings.

President Kagame thanked the World Bank Vice President for Africa, Obiageli Ezekwesili for delivering the good news of Rwanda’s performance in the 2011 WB Doing Business Report, adding that Rwanda becoming the 2nd best reformer is a sign that the reforms have been effective.

“Since these reforms do have impact, I want to thank Ms. Ezekwesili for being the bearer of good news on Rwanda’s performance in the Doing Business rankings 2011.”

“We have no intention of resting on our laurels and today’s announcement strengthens our resolve to not only continue the reforms but go further still,” President Kagame said.

On her part, Ezekwesili noted that Rwanda is a model of countries that are well on course to achieve the MDGs, adding that it was the reason the country merits support, adding has it has proved to be a model for countries utilising aid.

“For us Rwanda is a very important partner because of the results that we can clearly see and it is because of countries like Rwanda that we continue to push the envelop a little bit further and even move beyond aid effectiveness and begin to look at aid as investment,” she said.

It was announced by Director-General of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Jacques Diouf in his speech at the commemoration of 30th World Food Day at FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy, yesterday.

One of the problems about increasing the number of hungry people in  the world as told Director General of FAO was the occurrence of long-term negative trend towards development assistance in the agricultural sector.

Development assistance which on the 1980s reached about 19% became only 3% in 2006 and now ranges from 6%.

On the other hand, according to FAO, low-income countries that experienced food deficits should be able to increase the budget for agricultural development from an average of 5% to at least 10% of the total construction budget.

That World Food Day celebration in Rome showed the president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, as the main speaker.

In his speech, President Kagame reminded some ways to solve world hunger, such us for the assistance that had been promised at various meetings of the world for truly realized.

In addition, there needs to be political will from world leaders to realize the promises.

And in that commemoration, FAO also gave the Agrocola Medal award (post-humous) to the late Dr. Norman Borlaug, who is the father of green revolution of the world,.

Kigali — The Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza, will today present before both Chambers of Parliament, the government’s programme for the next seven years

This will be the first time the Prime Minister will be making a presentation of the government plans, before the public.

Speaking to The New Times, yesterday, the Premier said that the programmes to be promoted include good governance, social welfare, justice, economic development and others geared towards improving the lives of the Rwandan people.

“Over the next seven years, the Government’s programmes will focus on elevating Rwanda from being a poor country to a middle income country,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that, the government’s programs were based on what the Rwandan people had asked for and what President Paul Kagame had promised during the just concluded Presidential campaigns.

“The Government is going to put in more effort to improve the lives of its people and accelerate achieving the targets according to Vision 2020,” he added.

Augustin Habimana, the Parliamentary spokesperson, said that the Prime Minister’s presentation is one of the provisions of the latest constitutional amendments.

“Some provisions during the last amendment of the constitution require the Prime Minister to table government programmes in Parliament,” said Habimana.

MPs and Senators are expected to scrutinize Makuza’s paper before endorsing it for implementation.

Last week, Rwanda president Mr. Paul Kagame was sworn in for a second seven year term in office. The president with a group of young liberators, fought a protracted war to fend off genocide and civil war. Today the RPF is heading one of the fastest growing economies in the region. This geographically small nation, has posted 7.1% GDP average growth since 2004.

Mr. Kagame, who has headed this strong economy for the past 10 years, needs more effort and support in sustaining this growth throughout his second term in office (2010-2017).

During his second term in office, the issues that he needs to address are helping the private sector access short and long term financing. Long term financing would trigger much needed development to maintain the current growth rate and grow a vibrant and sustained private sector to drive the economy towards the country’s Vision 2020.

Under the Vision 2020, Rwanda wants to become a middle income economy. However, access to capital for existing and start up Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) remains a huge challenge, which could slow the realization of this vision.

Long-term finances are also needed to finance mortgages and leasing which are crucial in creating wealth. For instance, coffee farmers who are using bicycles acquired through leasing indicate the metal horse has changed lives of the people in the rural areas. The farmers are able to deliver the fresh coffee seeds at washing stations in time and this in turn gives them premium prices.

This has improved the quality of coffee Rwanda exports and coffee has become the second foreign exchange earner after tourism. Examples like these ones and many other bigger, bolder and grandeur approaches need to be addressed in the next seven years in order to address to stimulate growth and development.

The government should come up with more practical measures to bring down lending rates in commercial banks for businesses to access short and long-term financing. Rwanda’s financial institutions should seek partnerships with strong foreign lenders and come up with joint projects on the local market.

September 8, 2010

Kigali — The world mostly knows Rwanda for the cruelty that was let loose in 1994; when over one million perished during the murderous frenzy that was unleashed against the Tutsi. Sixteen years later, Rwanda has evolved into a highly contrasting image of its former self, and left the world even more awed by its progress and resilience.

In her book, ‘The New Rwanda’, Sondra Meyers, a senior fellow for international, civic, and cultural projects at the University of Scranton, expounds on the journey to attaining a National Conversation in Rwanda-something she believes sets the strongest foundation for a democracy.

The handbook was created as a resource for discussions under the umbrella of ‘The National Conversation for Prosperity and the Public Good’ in Rwanda’.

It was the result of a roundtable discussion that took place in Kigali in March 2008 under the theme, “The Role of Universities in Building a Culture of Civic Responsibility, Interdependence and Prosperity.” This meeting brought together key Rwandan educators and a team of international academic leaders.

Having been endorsed by President Paul Kagame, the roundtable delivered a set of recommendations one of which was to enlarge the public arena by creating several opportunities for Rwandans to discuss the critical ideas and issues affecting their society, to take ownership of these issues and to act responsibly to achieve constructive change.

In the foreword of the book is President Paul Kagame’s call to action. He mentions how Rwanda has transformed itself yet continues to struggle for prosperity.

“Prosperity is a choice that requires the new Rwanda to develop citizens that can compete in a knowledge-based global economy,” he said.

Education being a priority in Rwanda, Kagame goes on to explain how the education sector has an element of leadership, responsibility and prosperity.

“Twenty percent of our national budget goes to education. It is essential that our educational system includes every citizen. Through both formal and informal education, every Rwandan must internalize the values of interdependence, civic responsibility and leadership,” Kagame said.

With a go ahead from Rwanda’s Head of State, the handbook has been deployed as a text for use in discussions taking place in schools, communities, churches and in all places where Rwandans gather to discuss issues of common interest.

“We the citizens of Rwanda have the responsibility to make Rwanda the great nation that it can be, meeting the needs of all our people, and bringing prosperity to all,” Kagame further asserts.

Sondra Meyers has written a book composed of interviews and texts from distinguished scholars and public leaders on the importance of building a civil society, and reports on Rwanda’s most pressing challenges.

Among these, Meyers briefly touches upon geographic and demographic facts and figures about Rwanda, revisits Rwanda’s history where she focuses on the pre-genocide, genocide and post-genocide era: she then expounds on the genetic make-up of a nation that has risen from tatters to strength in the heart of Africa.

Michael Fairbanks, the co-founder of The SEVEN Fund and founder of the On The Frontiers (OTF) Group, contributed to ‘The New Rwanda’ where he unveils the ‘Changing Mind of Rwanda.’

Fairbanks recounts how the world has entered into an era where it has become increasingly difficult for societies to breach the barricades that obstruct interpersonal trust, forgiveness, and self-esteem, propensity for civic engagement, optimism about the future and tolerance for those who attach a different meaning to life.

“There are no perfect examples of this kind of society. Still, there are nations that have much to teach us, and learning is especially interesting when it comes from an unlikely place. Rwanda may be such a place,” Fairbanks says.

Given the nasty image of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that the international media perpetually spreads, in reality the new Rwanda has undeniably achieved major successes in all spheres of society. Because President Kagame has asked Rwandans to forgive, they have forgiven; he asked them to keep the cities clean, they have kept them pleasant; he asked them to work together, they have instead reconciled and united for their own good.

In an exclusive interview with Meyers, Rev. John Rucyahana, the President the National Unity & Reconciliation Commission (NURC) and founder of the Sonrise Schools, further explores the subject of how Rwandans are taking ownership of their identity, a prerequisite for the destiny of the New Rwanda.

With outstanding Good Governance policies, a major reform has been established in Rwanda as a resilient state that is rising from one of the worst case scenarios of Africa to become the best leading example, and indeed Rwanda is a “work in progress.”

Speaking of reforms, Chapter Three of ‘The New Rwanda’ highlights Rwanda’s strategy of building a dynamic civil society at the helm of economic development, political stability and democracy.

Meyers affirms, “an educational protocol for entrepreneurship and other skills necessary for prosperity should go hand in hand with learning about the ways of democracy and civil society, in particular the central role that citizens play in making democracy work.”

“In my view, the most precious right that an individual can have is the right to be responsible for the public good. Responsibility gives meaning and dignity to our lives, and the hope that we can make the world a better place for ourselves, our children and grandchildren.”

More insight on the path to the new Rwanda is provided by scholars like: Benjamin R. Barber, a senior fellow at DEMOS, President of CivWorld and political theorist who explains the ‘Civic Tripod’-the State, Private Sector and Civil Society.

Armstrong O’Brian Ongera, Jr., the Executive Director of the Capital Youth Caucus Association in Kenya, who works with young people to strengthen the culture of democracy by teaching civic values explains how Rwanda’s youth are drivers of national renewal provided, “they are empowered with proper education at all levels so that they can further democracy, civic engagement and human rights which are critically important to Rwanda’s development.”

In Chapter Four, economic gurus like Eric Kacou, OTF Group’s regional Director for Africa, analyzes Rwanda’s Vision 2020 as well as Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS). Michael Edwards, the Director of Governance and Civil Society at Ford Foundation captures the complexity of Philanthrocapitalism while Michael Brennan, a member of OTF Group’s Rwanda project, delicately finds the connection between Civic leadership and poverty reduction.

In an exclusive interview, Sondra Meyers has said she firmly believes that Rwanda is a democratic model for the rest of Africa – more precisely, a light of hope that is shinning for the world to see.

Speaking about democracy, Meyers said: “Authoritarianism is just as bad as weak leadership and anarchy. It creates fear. And as Rwanda saw in 1994, fear leads to unimaginable chaos and tragedy.

But it is dangerous to accuse strong leadership of being anti-democratic. Strong leadership is the basis for security and trust which is the root of any democracy. We see how lack of those two elements has virtually destroyed Pakistan and Afghanistan and how it cripples Iraq today.”

“There is good reason for critics to keep a close eye on Rwanda, just as there is good reason for Paul Kagame to use his landslide victory to lead his country into progress. There is less reason or justification for Western concerns about democracy, especially in the face of Western history in Africa.”

In January 2010, at the request of President Kagame a Kinyarwanda version of ‘The New Rwanda’ handbook was introduced.

With discussion questions at the end of every chapter, the handbook has become a vital tool for those citizens who engage in the habit of talking about ideas, issues and solutions to their societal problems.

KIGALI – President Paul Kagame, yesterday, said that Rwanda has continued to grow stronger and the Rwandan people are determined to be who they want to be, defying detractors who would want to see the country descend into conflict.

Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast at the Kigali Serena Hotel, attended by various government officials and religious leaders, the President said that some sections of the media and human rights groups have put themselves in the place of God, and they want to determine what Rwanda and her people should be.

Kagame said that during the just concluded presidential elections, Rwandans manifested a lot of enthusiasm and strong determination to work for their country’s development, adding that by turning out in big numbers, they made a statement about who Rwandans are and what they stand for.

“These people you saw in big numbers, they were not just after elections, they also wanted to make a strong statement to some people out there who don’t understand who we are,” Kagame said.

The President pointed out that the smear campaign will not divert Rwandans from the path they have decided to take. He pointed out that no individual or country has the right to define what another person or country should be, except God.

He compared the falsehoods being peddled against Rwanda to a spot of mud which can be washed and done away with time.

The President pointed out that Rwanda had to learn the hard way, as a result of her troubled past and Rwandans today will not allow anyone to divide them.

Kagame recounted how his passion to speak the truth for the country and for the Rwandan people, motivated his decision to become President, not the desire for wealth or glory.
The President reminded the audience that a good leader is one who has dignity and attaches value to the people he leads.

Kagame reminded the leaders that the massive turn out during the election rallies, reflects the expectations of the masses which they (leaders) must meet.

“We must meet the expectations of our people. We can only do more, we can only do better, but we can’t do less,” he said.

The President noted that a lot has been achieved over the last seven years and people have testimonies of how their lives have changed, but challenges still exist and there is a urgent need to multiply what is already in place.

Kagame commended the religious leaders for being part of the transformation the country has undergone, noting that religious groups have played a positive role in the development of the country, unlike in the past when religion was used as an instrument of destruction.

In his sermon, Rev. Antoine Rutayisire, called upon the leaders to shun bad practices such as pride, selfishness and moral decadence, adding that good leaders are God fearing, not exploitative and do not forget their electorate.

“A good leader is chosen by God and a good leader puts God ahead, because God does and sees things we can’t do or see as humans,” Rutayisire said.

“The main pitfalls leaders face include, self aggrandizement, wealth accumulation and moral decadence, this has led to the downfall of empires. We should not be complacent as leaders. We should always strive for the best.”

The national prayer breakfast is organised by Rwanda Leaders Fellowship.

Kigali — All roads lead to Gikondo today as the Rwanda International Trade Fair, Expo 2010, opens.

When The New Times visited the Private Sector Foundation (PSF) Expo grounds in Gikondo yesterday, human activity was at peak, with hundreds of exhibitors putting the final touches on their stalls.

Dozens of motorcycles escorted a big advertising truck blaring music which made rounds around the city reminding the public of the opening.

President Paul Kagame is expected to open the “bigger and better” 2010 Expo which has drawn over 129 foreign exhibitors compared to 110 last year, according to Molly Rwigamba, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PSF.

“For the last four months, we have been preparing for this Expo and I think all the preparatory work was done early and everything should be set”.

Rwigamba noted that she was optimistic that this year’s trade fair will be more fruitful and vibrant compared to last year where some companies and traders were still recovering from the global financial crisis.

“We have 129 foreign exhibitors from 70 countries. In total, we have 430 exhibitors, including locals,” Rwigamba said.

“When you look at the global economic crisis or financial crisis, there is an upward trend. Things are improving all over the world and you can see it from this exhibition,”

“Business is on track once again. People are ready to exhibit their products and it is also reflected in the number of exhibitors that has gone up,” Rwigamba who spend the day overseeing the final preparations said.

Some of the exhibitors The New Times spoke to expressed optimism that this year’s expo will draw a bigger crowd compared to last year’s.

“We are all set, our stall is ready. We are well prepared to use this opportunity to showcase how ‘East African’ our products are. Absolutely, it is a platform for us to show how our products transcend borders to reach all people in the East African Community.” Andrew Kulayigye, the East African Breweries Limited Country Manager said.

“Our stall is set. We are anticipating receiving a higher number of visitors to our stall compared to last year. Last year we got 600 visitors a day and we are seeing that number go up,” said Dan Kayonga Ruti, the head of communication at Social Security Fund of Rwanda (SSFR)

“We have new products such as online registration where people download forms and apply online as well as other ICT based products.

“The reason we participate is because working people frequent the trade fair and it will be an opportunity for them to learn how they can register for social security.

Read more Rwanda News

Frances and B2R teacher Anna Reed with the kids.

The kids and the B2R team enjoyed reading, singing, and playing with a colorful parachute together. None of the kids ever said they were bored or asked, “whats next?”, because they were perfectly happy sitting on the ground playing ‘cow, cow, chicken’, our Rwandan impromptu version of ‘duck,duck, goose’. The days were filled with new experiences such as face painting and blowing bubbles, which were embraced with great expression and enthusiasm.

The children painted pictures, decorated paper airplanes, and made friendship bracelets. This type of play encourages them to express their imagination and allows them to escape from the hardness of the poverty they live in. The children treasured every little piece of paper, string, and bead, and the B2R team treasured making new friendships and reuniting with old ones.

Blayne Sharpe enjoying his time with Jean Lambert.

Although these children go to a school without enough books, they hunger for an education and are constantly looking for something new to learn. Our team sat amidst children who dream of becoming doctors, teachers, and country leaders. Even in one of the most remote parts of Rwanda, these children know that an education is vital for them to break the chains of poverty. Driven by a spirit of determination, these children represent the bright and wonderful future of Rwanda!

www.motheringacrosscontinents.org

Photos courtesy of Mark Darrough

KIGALI, RWANDA —  After months of international criticism, much fueled by the West’s traditional thoughts of a hopeless Africa and its dirty politics, President Paul Kagame was elected into a second term early yesterday morning.  Everything from the exile of former military leaders to the arrest of an outspoken defense attorney has been intensely scrutinized and blamed on Kagame’s ruling government.  That’s the blueprint for covering African elections.  Yet what hasn’t been covered is a country’s overwhelming support for a leader who has brought security and development to a nation once consumed with violent, extremist politics.

The disapproval of some human rights groups, and their  insistence that America’s long-refined democracy is the  universal solution to the world’s problems, has smeared the  work of an incredibly effective government.   Sixteen years  have passed since the destruction of Rwanda’s  infrastructure, economy, schools and hospitals.  Now the  roads are the best in the region, the economy has been voted  the top reformer in the World Bank’s 2009 Doing Business  Report, the education system is unprejudiced and far-  reaching (the government extended its compulsory education  to the ninth grade), and national health insurance covers  92% of the population (A Poor Nation, With a Help  Plan). Kagame leads with results, and he was re-elected  because of these results.

Now Kagame asks the West for the ultimate trust between the developing and the developed: investment.  American businessmen like Tom Phillips and Scott Ford have responded to Kagame’s call to entrepreneurship, with the founding of Ikiraro Chicken Farms and the Rwanda Trading Company, respectively.  They have responded to Kagame’s call for foreign investment, and are the reason why Rwanda sets itself apart from many aid-dependent African countries.

May of this year saw the inauguration of Ikiraro’s first chicken house, where 2,500 chicks will soon begin laying eggs for a region lacking in protein. Bishop John Rucyahana (pictured) leads a prayer over its operations, with government officials and U.S. industry consultants in attendance.

In 2009 Scott Ford started exporting green coffee beans to the United States and Europe, organizing a network of suppliers to improve the efficiency of Rwanda’s coffee supply chain, as well as providing the best prices to its producers.

It is the establishment of security and progression towards Vision 2020, Kagame’s target of transforming Rwanda into a middle income country by 2020, that has bonded the people with its leader.  Kagame makes decisions for his people, and cares only about policies that bring sustainable results.  Thus the people have entrusted him with their future.  In the lead up to the announcement of the election’s winner, I went to Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium to witness the energy of such overwhelming support.

In the stands sat Rwandan businessmen cheering for a man who makes business easier and more profitable.

Pulsing crowds from Kigali’s low-income housing districts danced wildly on the field, showing their pride for a leader who aims to make them middle class.

And the police stood idle amidst a jubilant crowd, a reminder that only the freedom of safety can enable true progress.