So what did we learn today? We learned that we still have a long way to go to convince people outside Rwanda that changing the constitution is the right decision.
We also learned that either we get on with it already or we let others bully us. Note that the usual strategy of dismissing critics as neo-colonialist; imperialists; lesson-givers, etc., won’t fly. This time it is our own: Kenyans. Most friendly country to Rwanda, fellow East-Africans, leading investors in our economy – in other words: people who believe in Rwanda.
I think through my writings, you may have noticed that my position is that the constitution shouldn’t change. But I also see why you want it to change and I respect that. Now when it’s all done, we’ll have to get on with it, and ‘convince the world’ why it was necessary.
Kenyans just gave us a test of how fierce the battle will be. And they did it with some restrain as our brothers. Now if Kenyans do it this way, how will the usual bullies do it?
I waited for the Rwandans on Twitter (RWOT), the Intelligencia, the Twittos, etc. to jump in and defend their petitions; no one came. The few who attempted a tweet or two were sent home packing.
So if you can’t convince Kenyans, how are you planning on convincing academics, experts, politists and lobby groups out there? Unless, like we are all being told, we can ignore all of them and hope for the best.
I don’t know why, but people tend to forget that we do not live on an island. We are a small country, with no oil, nor nuclear power. We are vulnerable to pressures, both benevolent and ill willed.
No matter how true our heart is – and that’s debatable – we have to have a message to release to the world and try to convince them. It goes with our own survival.
So you petitioned to change the constitution? Fine. Now stand by your decision and defend it. I may have disagreements with you here, but when it comes to them against us, you can count on my support because Rwanda comes first. But you better be prepared: ‘we are in it for the long haul’ – and man it’s a cutthroat battle.
So sharpen you fingers and start typing…
As for my friends the Kenyans: In my own name and the name of others whose names I cant disclose here, thank you for saying out loud what many think quietly.
I tell you what: I think we are going to keep the transparency and security desks here, but we’ll subcontract our freedom to you guys.