Gukorera Mu Mueyo/Political Integrity

From Emmett!

Today was an incredibly informative and enlightening day. It was our first day where we were able to meet and have an official discussion with the Rwanda Government and President Kagame’s administration. As a group, we came to Rwanda understanding that the nation considers itself a democracy, but we were skeptical about whether or not the “tight leash” Kagame has on his nation would seem too strong to us. As soon as our group landed in Rwanda, it became apparent that Rwanda was well-developed, clean, organized, and full of friendly people, but in order to understand what went into the beautiful country we were seeing, we needed to learn more about its inner workings. We went into our two meetings today, with the Rwanda Government Board (RGB) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), curious as to how Kagame’s regime could shape our way of thinking. In our first meeting, we were lucky enough to meet with the CEO of the RGB, Shyaka Anastase--an extremely kind, funny, and engaging man with whom many of us wish we could have spent days.  The RGB is a specialized institution that tackles four core areas:  government policy research, innovative solutions to help society run more equitably (such as the "one cow per family" program), service delivery, and national coordination (how do NGOs woh with government, each other, and local government).  RGB focuses on shaping government policies and producing advice to President Kagame’s administration. Shyaka described Rwanda as “a country of homegrown solutions”, a statement I thought was indicative of what I learned at the RGB, for it became apparent that Rwanda was achieving success internally, as opposed to relying on western countries for advice and leadership. The RGB’s policies, which centered around unity, security, and accountability, helped me understand why everyone we have met in Rwanda so far loves and respects Paul Kagame, who is seen as the "catalyst" for this equitable and succssful structure. Yes, Kagame’s decision to run for a third term is questionable, but it seems apparent that he is a deeply disciplined and ambitious man who knows Rwanda has the potential to grow even more. Some points from our meeting with Shyaka that illustrate Rwanda’s strength include, a health care system that covers 97% of the population, a parliament made up of 64% women, and a law that ensures total and complete transparency in the actions and goals of the government. In response to our questions, Shyaka offered that he considers Rwanda a Social Democratic Developmental State that "thinks big!"  After the RGB, we had some yummy burritos and headed over to the RDB. The RDB was centered more on the economic development of the private sector and how Rwanda can grow economically in the future. At the RDB, we learned about the structure and long term development plans of Rwanda, which rely on good governance and a private-sector led economy.  Again, we learned that accountability is key in Rwanda!  Everyone serves the greater good.
Today helped me to realize how incredible our journey to East Africa truly is. Today we were able to meet with such insightful and brilliant people who helped shift my view of democracy. By interacting with local Rwandans and speaking to those in charge of government policy, our trip has given us much more than three weeks in a classroom ever could.  Thank you to the leaders of our trip, Shields and Lauren, who have enabled us to talk to these incredible people and facilitate such an amazing trip. XOXO

Do unto others, Kinyarwanda style!

Lunch at the Kigali "chipotle"--Mezze Fresh!

a visit to Inzuki--the beehive, a fresh new Rwandan jewelry store.

despite reporting to the contrary in US, Rwanda is an incredibly open society.  We have felt welcomed in every way and note the robust media presence....radio (public and private) as well as tv.