By Stefy Umurerwa
The one thing that commands unanimity, is that Rwanda’s 30-year post-genocide journey stands out as unique. Rwanda has not only overcome its tragic past but it also achieved a remarkable rebirth, demonstrating exceptional resolve in asserting its identity, forging its unique path, and standing firm against external pressures.
As a result, the geographically small African nation has attracted disproportionate scrutiny, drawing polarized views ranging from deep admiration to vehement hostility.
The contrast between external perceptions and the reality within Rwanda has been perplexing. From doomsday pundits to agenda-driven “experts” all relentlessly tried to delegitimize Paul Kagame’s Rwanda, seeking to undermine its progress with hope to dent its international standing.
Their dedicated efforts aim to challenge a model that defies biased perceptions about Africa, threatening to subvert their influence on the continent.
“The Tale of Two Rwandas”
A first-time visitor to Rwanda recently remarked that there seems to be “two Rwandas”.
An external version painted as marred with repression, injustice, and discrimination, and another; the real Rwanda, experienced daily by millions of souls living in Rwanda and thousands of visitors; all contributors to the country’s steady progress.
This dichotomy is particularly stark in light of the recently unfolding dynamics:
First was the “Rwanda Classified” media campaign in Europe, an orchestrated hit job to discredit Rwanda’s global image. Fifty-two journalists from seventeen media organizations collaborated on a two-year heftily funded project designed to impose a narrative calculated to obstruct the electoral period and undermine the progress achieved by Rwanda over the past three decades.
In contrast, the just concluded presidential and parliamentary elections saw a remarkable turnout of over nine million Rwandan voters, who participated with palpable enthusiasm, proudly reaffirming their belief in their chosen leader and the party he leads.
The celebratory and purposeful atmosphere during the voting process resonated more powerfully than any media coverage, reflecting the genuine engagement of the Rwandan people and their resilience against prejudice.
Like previous efforts, this latest smear campaign has failed in its mission. Frustrated as they may be, Rwanda’s critics should swallow their pride and draw clear lessons from President Kagame and RPF’s roaring 2024 electoral victory. Rwanda’s journey has always been challenging, but the nation has and will remain committed to unity and prosperity with renewed strength and determination.
The motives behind “Rwanda Classified” and similar initiatives, the obsession that fuels them, and their shameless claim to political neutrality as they launch their targeted attacks, are matters for future history books and movies.
Strength Through Struggle
Three decades have passed since Rwanda began its journey of rebirth, rebuilding and renewal. Throughout this period, many lessons have been learned—some bitter and frustrating, others edifying and rewarding.
Of the many takeaways, two standout for both Rwandans and their critics:
First, Rwanda’s atypical journey has showcased its ability to sustain and overcome even the most daunting of challenges. Threats, condemnations, and pressures have not succeeded in derailing Rwanda’s progress. They never will. The dismal failure of the “Rwanda Classified” campaign underscores this reality.
Rwanda has consistently defied entrenched beliefs about Africa—a continent often viewed through the lens of mindless violence and ethnic divisions, peopled by individuals lacking agency and not expected to stand their ground.
Second, and very importantly, each attack and defamation levelled against Rwanda has had unintended effects: they have made Rwandans ever more resilient, stronger, wiser, and more defiant. Rwanda’s detractors have unwittingly contributed to a stronger Rwanda.
So, as we celebrate 30 years of an exceptional journey, I want to thank Rwanda’s detractors for their precious gift—the gifts of resilience and focus. Though I don’t respect them enough to name any of them, I extend my gratitude to you, the biased, shameless, at times, racist calumniators.
Your criticisms has helped us better understand who we are and what we face. They have equipped us with the tools we need to confront today and tomorrow’s challenges. Your lies have unintentionally strengthened our resolve.
So, thank you, dear mudslingers. Of you, we know what to expect: we know that your attacks will not cease; the falsehoods and distortions will keep coming. In the next five years, may I suggest that you try and be less predictable; consider surpassing yourselves to give us a real fight. You came as sheep to a lion’s fight!
For as we both know by now, your bile will only sharpen our focus and strengthen our resolve. Because, as the saying goes: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”