Rwanda 365

President Paul Kagame has said he doesn’t intend to alter the country’s constitution to extend his 2017 presidential term limit.

Speaking on Contact FM, a Kigali radio station, Kagame said, “Personally I don’t want to be involved in changing the constitution so that I stay in power and particularly changing the constitution for that purpose. I would really hate it.”

”I don’t know why it (change of constitutional term-limits) has been made an African thing. I have seen Europeans attempt to change their constitutions. I saw it in France when (Jacques) Chirac was about to run for a third term. I don’t know why in other places it is not of interest and it has become an African thing. I don’t intend to change the constitution,” he added.

Pasteur Bizimungu

Kagame, who was announced the winner of Monday’s presidential election, said that he could have easily been president in 1994 slightly after the genocide but declined the office which Pasteur Bizimungu occupied until March 23, 2000.

”I refused to be the president. And somebody else was president for six years. Now people are already talking about it (succession). The same reason I should have stayed in power (after 2017) are the same reason I shouldn’t. If you have had a Kagame around for this long and he has failed to identify one who has a capacity to take over, I would take that as a failure on my part,” he added.

Kagame is yet to be sworn in as the new president of Rwanda for a second and last term that runs until 2017.
Election observers from both the East African Community (EAC) and the Commonwealth said on Tuesday that the presidential elections were democratic and peaceful.

‘Terrible legacy’
Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Salim Ahmed Salim, representing the Commonwealth group, said the counting in the polling stations was transparent and conducted fairly, though with a few inconsistent practices.

“We understand the terrible legacy of the past and the consequent caution as the country moves forward. However, we are also aware as to what is required for Rwanda to forge ahead as a pluralistic democracy, enjoying the associated freedoms and rights,” he said.

Despite the observers’ submission, opponents said the three official opposition candidates acted as a “democratic smokescreen” and stooges of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front, something the president vehemently dismissed.

They also said the campaign playing field had been uneven, with three other would-be opposition candidates, including the controversial Victoire Ingabire, being prevented from registering to run.
The RPF has accused rights groups that have censored Rwanda of wilfully missing the context of where Rwanda has come from since the 1994 genocide.

IT is now official, President Paul Kagame, the RPF Inkotanyi candidate in the just concluded Rwanda presidential race, has been declared the winner with a 93.08% lead over his three challengers.

The figure is an overwhelming margin by far, compared to Kagame’s rivals but a slightly lower in his win of 2003. He won 4,638,560 of the 5,490,302 votes cast on the 9th of Aug 2010. Some 5,178,492 voters had registered earlier for the historic poll.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) declared Kagame the winner today, after two days of calculating the national vote tally, commission chairman, Prof. Chryslogue Karangwa said.

Kagame polled 4,638,560 votes, representing 93.08% of the total national tally while his closest challenger, deputy parliament speaker, Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuliryayo (PSD) came second with 5.15% (256,488 votes).

The two others, Prosper Higiro (Liberal Party) and Dr. Alvera Mukabaramba received 68,235 and 20,107 votes each, representing 1.37% and 0.40%, respectively.

Prof. Karangwa told reporters that his commission had released the results within the provided time frame and that the different domestic election laws empowered him to declare the results.

“Based on those electoral laws, the board of directors of NEC declares Paul Kagame the President of our country for the next seven years,” he said, reading from a statement he said had been endorsed by six other commissioners.

The meeting was also attended by representatives of different observer groups as well as the local, regional and international media.

Prof. Karangwa said voter turn-up was high at 97.51%, although 68,685 votes were invalidated, representing 1.36 percent

On average, Kagame scored between 93% and 96% in provincial tallies. Some 21,717 Diaspora voters had registered to vote although 15,517 did actually vote.

The election chief said some 65,014 support staff and volunteers helped to organize and manage the elections. There were 2,273 polling centres countrywide and 15,507 polling stations.

“In the Diaspora, we had 23 polling centres and 73 polling stations overall. We spent Frw. 8.5 billion for the entire process,” he explained.

A total of 1,444 local and international observers were in the country to oversee the process, while some 355 journalists covered the event, 239 of them international correspondents.

“I am happy about the outcome of this election and I’d like to thank all stakeholders who prepared and participated in the management of the polls,” said Karangwa.

NEC chairman forwarded the results to the Supreme court which will validate and approve the final results.

The people of Rwanda have spoken and voted overwhelmingly for Paul Kagame, the margin is massive but I wonder what this says about Rwanda and our nascent democracy. The first fact I would like to clear up is that this touted as the second democratic election since the Genocide 16 years ago. In fact it was the second election since independence in 1962, never in the years from 1962-1994 did we have free multi-party elections. Whatever reservations some people have, they must give Rwandans and their coalition government credit for having made this massive step.

Secondly, the large margin is also a reflection of the expectations being placed on the newly-elected government. The people will expect results from their vote, it will add some pressure on the government as they have a high burden of expectation placed on their shoulders. It is a burden they are well capable of carrying but it will require even more effort. The large margin is a result of the peace dividend and economic development programs. RPF is credited with ending the Genocide, and have made massive strides in economic development.

The question of the weak opposition always comes up, Paul Kagame was asked about this by a foreign journalist and replied “why don’t you go and set it up?” Jendayi Frazier, the former under-secretary of State for Africa was unequivocal in stressing that outsiders will never bring internal change to Rwanda. “It is up to Rwandans to decide what system they want, it is false to think that outsiders can effect change.” Then the news anchor gave the usual patronising statement “Yes we can, after all we are paying for it!” That is why we need to get off aid as soon as possible. Some aid donors think they own us and that they can dictate to us over the will of Rwandans.

The margin is not important, the overall will of the Rwandans is what we should focus on. Rwandans have rejected the route towards tribal politics and chosen the route to unity and development. There is a myth that democracy is homogenous, it is not, it varies from country to country. USA has a totally different system to Britain, or to Norway and India but the only commonality is that the will of the people is respected. When we devised our constitution, we made unity, equality and prevention of genocide the main objectives.

Our democracy is evolving slowly, and will no doubt change to suit the needs of Rwandans. There were 2 million first time voters, so in 7 years time there will be over 3 million youth coming of age by 2017. These new voters also have new aspirations and political views. That is why Rwanda is a young democracy both literally and metaphorically. Instead of shouting and booing from outside, people should try to work with Rwandans to try and build a democracy that will last forever. We cannot build it overnight but we are on the right path. Let us celebrate but remember the huge task that awaits us.

The RPF Inkotanyi camp yesterday received much needed support from the Muslim community and working classes of Nyamirambo in Kigali City to conclude its whirlwind tour of the country. The final rally will be held today at Bumbogo in Gasabo district, outside the City,

Party candidate, Paul Kagame could not hide his pleasure and acknowledged the support with a pledge that the RPF would never segregate Rwandans based on religious affiliations, ethnic, age or gender division. He crowned the day with a dance which excited Nyamirambo residents. Nyamirambo is one of the most dynamic working class suburbs, known as a part of town that never sleeps and is active 24-hours a day.
“The RPF policy has always never been about creating division based on religion, ethnic groups or age.” said

Kagame, who is widely expected to clinch an emphatic victory in Monday’s polls.
Muslim men and women, who included the elderly in traditional religious dress, kicked off a dance train before Kagame, waving bandanas and singing in Swahili in praise of the party. An elderly mother of 11 children testified how her life had drastically transformed and how easy it has become to educate children under the RPF regime.

“I used to think I am a useless aging woman waiting to die someday. But since the RPF came to power, I have been trained in ingando, appointed a local leader and am now more empowered and enlightened,” she said.
“I have acquired a home of my own worth Frw11 million. My children used to study up to level 6, then a policy of government (for the under privileged) but today, two of them have finished while others have leadership responsibilities,” she added to wild cheering.

Kagame told his supporters that Rwandans are currently rebuilding a new country and that they know where they are heading, naming good governance, development and good living standards as their major aspirations.
“We believe that is what democracy is about…when a majority of the people chose what they want. When some people say there’s no democracy in Rwanda, they are lying,” said Kagame.

He said his party is ready for the next phase of the struggle to liberate the country from poverty, consolidate peace and development for better living standards for all.
Kagame explained to an attentive crowd of about 40,000 people, according to Police estimates, that the western media has deliberately refused to show the truth of his popular support on their television channels to conceal the truth.

“We will go ahead, whether they lie or not. Whatever we do, we do for Rwandans, not to please foreigners,” Kagame asserted, to which the crowd chanted, “Birabareba, birabareba!” which means ‘It’s up to them.’
Kagame even addressed the Swahili speaking community in their own language, exciting the fans more.
“Wasiokujua watajua, na watafahamu…watafahamiya kwa vitendo. Asio apende Rwanda ayende akufe!( Those who don’t know us will know through our development and actions whoever doesn’t love Rwanda can go and die)
Prior to the Nyamirambo rally, Kagame had earlier addressed crowds in Kayonza and Rwamagana districts to conclude his tour of the eastern province.
Ends…

Paul kagame campaigned on the penultimate day of the electioneering period, he continued his blitz of the Eastern province with packed rallies in Kayonza and Rwamagana. In Kayonza, he attracted a crowd of over 80,000 highly motivated fans. The rally began with testimonies from RPF supporters who had seen their lives improved under the RPF. Kagame called on those present to ignore the outside media critics.

“Ignore the media obsession with Rwanda and concentrate on building a better future. The RPF believes that everyone should have a better life and they will get a better life. Anyone who doubts us should watch what we do.” He told the cheering crowd.

He continued to stress that Rwandans should take control of their lives and mould their own future. He said that democracy is about choice of candidates and policies and these have to fit with the aspirations of Rwandans.

“Whoever doesn’t understand us should understand that we have aspirations and we are determined to achieve them. Those who speak for wrongdoers should first consult with the Rwandan people.”

He said that the Rwandan people have had beneficial policies such as Mutuelle de santé, Girinka, and Gacaca which has stabilised the justice system.

“That is what democracy is about, it is about you. We don’t need anyone to tell us about democracy. Those who claim there is no democracy in Rwanda are simply liars. The claim that democracy is for the majority and when the majority votes, they claim it’s for the minority. Let us find our own solutions and reject those who preach divisionism and sectarianism.”

He stressed the sense of unity felt by Rwandans, he reminded them that they share neighbourhoods and wells and they graze their cows in the same fields. He complained that western TV stations refused to show the massive crowds and popular support the RPF enjoys but instead aired interviews with people who wanted to cast Rwanda in a bad light. The campaign concludes tomorrow at Bumbogo is Gasabo.

Kagame courts Nyagatare voters

RPF candidate and incumbent president Paul Kagame continued his campaign in the Eastern province of Rwanda with two rallies in Nyagatare and Gatsibo. Nyagatare is another historically significant area for the RPF, it was the scene of the first liberated zones of Shonga and Gikoba as well as Gabiro. It was the launch pad for future attacks and always supports the RPF strongly. The drier terrain in some parts makes it more suitable for cattle-keeping but enjoys diverse farming practices. Kagame recently redistributed land taken from soldiers who had exceeded the limit and redistributed it to landless civilians and this has increased his popularity in the region no end.

Kagame stressed that leadership is a national responsibility, he said the Rwandans would not allow outsiders to undo what they had worked hard to achieve over time.

“The RPF has a history of good leadership and development, if I am elected, I will deliver more services, including clean water for both cows and human, more roads, electricity, schools, health centres and better environmental protection.”

The Mutara area is often prone to environmental pressures caused by erosion, drought caused by poor rainfall and competing pressures from cattle and farmers. It is for this reason that life is sometimes harsh, the growing population often encroaches in the Akagera National Park, to find water and pasture.

“Leadership cannot be entrusted to people who are just daydreamers and are motivated by personal greed. They are hungry to get positions so they can get their hands on what you have achieved over time.”

A number of local officials have been convicted for abuse of office and various forms of corruption. It is for this reason that the crowd was particularly receptive to his message, the theme was leadership and responsibility.

“RPF leaders are never in a rush to enrich themselves, RPF has a history of good leadership ever since we liberated this country. Let us join our hands together and work so we can achieve our aspirations.”

I am a Rwandan who lived in UK for some 14 years and recently returned to live in Rwanda, I read a story that really caught my attention in the Guardian dated Aug 3rd. It asked “Does this picture make you think of Rwanda?” It dealt with how nations try to alter their national image after a tragic event that defines it. In Rwanda that event was the Genocide of 1994, and if you google Rwanda then the same topics arise. As for the original question about a picture, three picture pop up on google: one is of a crying child,

the other of a disfigured woman holding a baby,

and the last is of a man with machete scars criss-crossing his face.

For a country that has undoubtedly made massive strides in the last 16 years, in development, in justice and reconciliation, it is crucial that we change two things. Firstly we have to change how we view ourselves, and secondly we have to change how the world views us. So to call it “reputation laundering” is wrong, it is to equate it with money laundering where dirty money from criminal ventures is legitimised. That is to say a country with a negative perception has no right to change it.

Public relations is a science now, not an art like it used to be, this was proved by Tony Blair during his years in power. However, the dark arts of PR cannot sustain you forever, as we saw this with New Labour being kicked out. What Rwanda was trying to do in hiring Racepoint was to set a new image to begin afresh with, to reflect the changes that have gone on in Rwanda. 40% of Rwandans are under 18, meaning they have been born since the Genocide or were babies when it happened. And yet these young Rwandans find themselves hostage to their history. Women make 56% of parliamentarians, women make the majority of the workforce, women own more land than ever before.

The negative perceptions of Rwanda sometimes have benefits, whenever westerners arrive they are impress by the clean roads, polite police, the lack of open corruption, the role of women on building sites and they always say “It’s not as bad as they said.” What Rwanda suffers from mostly in the western media is the compound story, because Rwanda disappears from the world’s view for several years, then an avalanche of bad press comes. It would be like if one never heard of Britain in the media then all the negative headlines combine to make one story. “Corrupt politicians who cheat on their expenses to the tune of millions, a disenfranchised electorate where only 30% vote regularly, a political crisis where no party has a majority, a country where teenagers are shooting and stabbing each other on a regular basis.”
That could be the perception of Britain by someone who doesn’t follow news regularly. In Rwanda, several stories are combined to create an impression of crisis and oppression. Hence one can predict the final few paragraphs of any story relating to Rwanda. The killing of a journalist is linked to deserting generals, is linked to the killing of a politician, is linked to the refusal to register some opposition parties, is linked to grenade attacks, is linked to banning newspapers, is linked to the Congo crisis. The world needs to be better informed about this issues that are all unique and need to be explained in their context and not lumped together.

The killing of Frank Rugambage was linked to an earlier case where he was accused of Genocide crimes and the brother of the alleged victim confessed to the crime, the motive was apparently revenge. The banned newspapers were not registered and hadn’t paid tax in years, besides they were really unprofessional. The general who was shot in South Africa was a victim of a robbery. The opposition parties do not fulfil the requirements under our constitution, which I admit is restrictive considering our history. Rwanda has the only constitution designed to prevent genocide first, then facilitate democracy secondly. All this is forgotten in the short little bulletins that attack Rwanda, no government that is so media conscious can openly gun down journalists or former generals abroad.

Rwanda is a victim of the shorter attention span of modern media consumers, who want a brief description of what happened without the context. The Telegraph in the UK did a hard-hitting piece where they touched on all the faults and strengths of modern Rwanda but at least gave a background and context. Rwanda cannot be separated from its recent historical context, only 16 years ago some 800,000 people were hacked to death, in the world of newsreels that is prehistoric, but in reality some of the wounds have literally not healed and some survivors are still receiving treatment for their injuries. There is no excuse to exclude context where the internet is involved, it does not cost you extra paper. If you remove the context then you are cheating your readers and giving a false picture. Here is the other side you never show of Rwanda.