Rwanda: 16 Years On

When you type ‘Rwanda’ into an Internet search engine the second option that usually surfaces is the ‘Rwandan Genocide’. This 1994 event dominates contemporary knowledge of the nation, as we seem to hear of little else.

The Rwandan Higher Commissioner Ernest Rwamucyo echoes this sentiment. In a recent meeting with New Africa Analysis he was keen to inform us that his country has made significant developments in the 16 years since incident. Rwamucyo made it clear that Rwanda cannot be judged by this one misdemeanour. It is imperative, he said, that we look at the nation’s entire spectrum and take into account where it is now and where it wants to be in the future.

Rwanda is taking strong, decisive steps toward developing a better future for itself; it has developed Vision 2020 and, most recently, has become the newest member of the Commonwealth, despite having never been a British colony.

The decision to enrol was a conscious one that fit with Rwanda’s vision to be a proactive, fully integrated player that attracts trade and investment both regionally and globally. Furthermore, joining the Commonwealth also entitles Rwanda to take advantage of the technological support and educational benefits the system has to offer, and after three months the results are visible.