UBUDASA: Kagame and the Inkotanyi Magic
As Rwandans actively engage in shaping their
country's story and building a brighter future, it is important to reflect on
the remarkable progress the nation has made. This journey continues despite the
fact that some individuals, both within and outside the country, persist in
questioning these efforts and casting doubt on their authenticity.
When the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) Inkotanyi
took over after the genocide against the Tutsis, which left Rwanda devastated,
no one could have imagined the transformation we witness today. The country was
at its lowest, a failed state in every sense.
The Inkotanyi spirit revived Rwanda's life and
dignity. The nation united, refugees were repatriated and rehabilitated, and
the tragedy we experienced gave us the courage to not only survive but to
thrive and live a life worth living.
The results of the Inkotanyi's efforts are evident
to everyone. The impact is clear, tangible, and unmistakable, like a rare
fragrance that even the skeptical can sense.
Who could have imagined that a small African country
would become a global model for self-reliance, dignity, and unity?
Kagame and the Inkotanyi are seen as magicians,
drawing the attention of those who now feel compelled to offer unsolicited
advice on governance. The Inkotanyi's track record gives them the right to
expect more because their achievements warrant it.
From health to wealth creation, from security to
international recognition, who doesn't know "Visit Rwanda" today? Who
doesn't want to come and see it for themselves? As the ICT hub of Africa,
Rwanda stands united against a common enemy: poverty.
As it’s often said, Rwanda was once known as a
country of a thousand hills and a thousand problems.. Today, we are a country
of a thousand hills with thousands of ways to deal with our problems. We are
magicians!
Before the genocide against the Tutsis, Rwanda was a
poor, dependent country reliant on archaic agriculture and foreign aid. Our
foreign overseers were proud because they had a means to extend their
imperialism. Their current opposition to our progress is understandable; they
are like a wealthy but jealous individual whose formerly dependent neighbor has
found independence and success.
The Inkotanyi have set the bar so high that
detractors feel threatened and attempt to undermine Rwanda's progress. They
criticize the RPF and its leadership, trying to sow discord among Rwandans.
Sometimes they use Rwandans who were in power before the RPF came—losers who
failed even to totally destroy the country, despite having the power and
determination, because asking them to build and unite would be too much.
Sometimes, they also use lazy people who can only criticize without any idea of
how things are done and what it takes.
These former masters cannot fathom how we have taken
the concept of "democracy" and built something unique. The Rwandan
version of democracy allows us to choose what to do, when, and how, in our own
context. If they wish to withdraw their concept of democracy, they can, for we
have our own—Ubudasa!
Rwandans have decided to seek partners, not to
receive orders on how to run their own affairs. Some imperialists are nostalgic
for the time when they made the rules and decided everything about our lives.
The shame of seeing the Rwanda they abandoned flourishing cannot let them rest.
Some other African people with Stockholm syndrome have joined the imperialists'
dance, as they still think they are not mature enough to decide for themselves.
When things go south, they use Rwanda as a scapegoat for their own problems.
Kagame and the RPF's leadership have become a
reference point for individuals and groups seeking to advance their agendas, whether by drawing inspiration from Rwanda’s achievements or by
attempting to undermine them. Some political figures have even built campaigns
with Rwanda as their central narrative, while others invoke the country as a
justification for their inability to adhere to environmental policies, address
poverty, or overcome governance challenges. We are becoming a cornerstone for
both our friends' and enemies' success, serving as a model for progress and a
tool for deflection.
Our Ubudasa tells us that where others can afford to
walk, we need to run. Look at the fruits of our determination; look at how
clean we are, both inside and out. Have you noticed how we seem not even to
realize our achievements? We still strive because we are not halfway to where
we need to go, but we will reach our target because the weapons of a changed
mentality and courage are already in our arsenal. What a time to be Rwandan!
Rwanda and Rwandans are here to stay. The Inkotanyi
are not just those men and women led by H.E. Paul Kagame; Inkotanyi, embodies
the spirit of Ubudasa, Rwandan uniqueness. It is this spirit that resurrected
Rwanda, united us, and led us to choose reconciliation over revenge,
self-reliance over dependency.
In religious terms, Ubudasa can be likened to the
Rwandan Holy Spirit, with the day the Rwandan Patriotic Front took over being
our Pentecost.
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