Transformational Governance
1. Transformational and Visionary leadership
The leadership headed by HE. President Paul Kagame has played a key role in driving the socioeconomic transformation that have taken place in Rwanda by setting up ambitious long-term goals through Vision 2020 and other strategic programs.
2. Security
Security has become the primary enabler of an environment which is conducive to development and economic growth in the country. Today Rwanda is ranked among top safest place on the continent and globally. The Gallup Report 2018 ranked Rwanda as the second safest country on the African Continent. In addition, Rwanda is the third contributor to UN peacekeeping missions globally according to UN Report of January 2019.
3. Unity
The genocide ideology and discriminatory politics that led to the 1994 Genocide destroyed the unity and social cohesion of Rwandans. Therefore, restoring unity and mending social cohesion was a burning priority for the reconstruction of Rwanda. After 1994, all forms of discrimination have been abolished in politics and in service delivery in all sectors. According to RGS 2018, Unity, reconciliation and social cohesion among Rwandan stand at 93.95%.
4. Accountability
Several mechanism meant for fostering accountability in government business have been put in place to spur national transformation. Those include strong institutions of accountability, control of corruption and strong M&E systems. The 2018 Corruption Perception Index ranked Rwanda fourth least corrupted in Africa. In order to enhance self-accountability, the Rwanda Governance Scorecard was established to regularly measure the state of governance to generate policy recommendations that helps to improve performance in different sectors. Furthermore, the concept of IMIHIGO (Performance Contract) also revitalized accountability within public sector.
5. Rule of Law
Building a strong justice sector has been a key enabler of the rule of law as stipulated in Rwanda’s Constitution. Home Grown Solutions like Gacaca played an unequalled role in providing justice to Genocide perpetrators and victims in a short period, which was a key milestone in reconciliation among Rwandans. Furthermore, access to justice has been made easy thanks to the effectiveness of community mediators known as Abunzi Committees.
6. Participation and Inclusiveness
The engagement of all Rwandans including men and women, the youth and people with disabilities is a constitutional imperative. Furthermore, different actors including private sector, civil society, Faith-based Organisations and media are involved in the governance process as important stakeholders.
7. Democratic Rights and Freedoms
Rwanda chose consensual democracy and to find solutions to own problems through dialogue. Frameworks such as the National Consultative forum of Political Organisations and Home-grown platforms like Umushyikirano, Umwiherero, Inteko z’Abaturage have been put in place as channels enabling the citizens to exercise and enjoy their democratic rights and freedoms in the context of consensual democracy.
8. Strategic partnerships
Rwanda’s openness to the continent and to the world have expanded horizons to acquire strategic partners whose contribution have been vital in the socioeconomic reconstruction journey of the country. Today Rwanda is a member of regional and global organisations and has adopted a free movement policy; whereby people from all walks are allowed to come to Rwanda acquire their VISA upon arrival.
About
Following the devastating 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has embarked on a journey of reconstruction, development and, more recently, socio-economic transformation.
This platform documents the approaches, policies, and programs that are fueling that journey. We welcome you to learn about Rwanda’s experience thus far.
Contact
Please talk to us at Hello@hgs.rgb.rw