I have been following closely with keen interest the dynamics of the ongoing debates and parliamentary consultations with Rwandans on their quest to revisit Article 101 to allow H.E. Paul Kagame contest for the upcoming presidential elections come 2017.
The deserving conclusion from the ongoing debates by any sober person is a striking rebirth of Rwanda sense of we-ness. I call it rebirth of Rwanda sense of we-ness because colonialists and subsequent post-independence leadership had erased this spirit to their individualistic ambitions and interests. Historically speaking, Rwandan sense of we-ness was a key determinant of her strength, unity and transformation.
The current high level sense of we-ness amongst Rwandans as they debate their national interests is a true measure of development, indication of a liberated mind. It is sense of we-ness that is keeping Rwanda to remain intact and united for the future amidst all odds.
The strength resulting from Rwanda liberation has shaped the Rwandan character of ‘we feeling’. Ideally, it is the death of such feeling and self-reflection that grossly contributed to Africa’s tragedy.
One of the strong successes of H.E. Paul Kagame leadership is rediscovering this lost glory and this discovery of Rwandan sense of we-ness justifies and generates a web of mutual obligations and propels Rwandans more willing to work towards common good.
For example, drawing from the ongoing citizen consultations and debates on presidential term limits guided by we-ness through cohesion and consensus is a healthy outcome of Rwanda’s liberation struggle.
This partly justifies why Rwanda’s electoral politics have never been a source of anxiety, tensions and noise. Generally, it is this sane environment of electoral politics that is a surprise to many spectators.
The sense of we-ness for collective action has been a key factor underlying Rwanda’s politics policy decisions and laws to generate politics of common good. Ideally, it is this sense of belonging and feeling of shared identity for common goals explains her believable, trusted, functioning institutions and citizen feeling of attachment and trust to their leaders.
Resultantly, it is this cohesive civic Rwandan society that has been impetus for their country’s transformation because such citizens are conscious and active owners of their national interests and prosperity objectives.
They monitor state provided services through their greater involvement and it is by this sense of we-ness that Rwanda citizen are making many sacrifices and voluntary work. Interestingly, the current leadership culture and brand of ensuring greater accountability of leaders without exceptions is great motivation to the led.
Therefore, the Rwanda sense of we-ness is a product of her focused leadership that remained on course and loyal to the core liberation and revolutionary values of unity, reconciliation, inclusiveness and acts together. Rwanda’s leadership of above self has been able to take actions today which will determine our tomorrow.
Rwanda colonialists and post-independence regimes buried her seed of we-ness without knowing that it will one day germinate. In brief, it is this sense of we-ness that Rwandans are not ready to risk prematurely by letting the architect go at time of immeasurable need.
Mr. Geoffrey MUSHAIJA is PhD Economics Scholar