RWANDA’ S LIBERATION OF CHOICES
By Chigozie N. Udensi *
Freedom is a form of self-expression. Rights or privileges, what we do with our freedom is yet what we seek daily- our choices. This quest is guided socially by our belief in the right to be who we choose to be and the privilege to attain freedom; what we seek to express. Therefore, the celebration of July 4 as Liberation Day is a celebration of the freedom of choices. This commemoration of the past has also presented a choice to either celebrate the pain or the gain. Celebrating the pain is living in the realities of 1994’ s gruesome power struggle that claimed the lives of millions of Rwandans. Whereas celebrating the gain is appreciating and supporting life and its freedom; the freedom to make more choices- the choices that make life more progressive. Indeed, the latter has been the key to Rwanda’ s development today.
The celebration of Liberation Day or Kwibohora is a time for Rwandan citizens all over the world to embrace the sober reflection of their past societal confinement as a propelling force for today ' s freedom. It is no surprise that President Kagame’ s administration has taken advantage of this freedom to pursue the choices to stay together as one Rwanda, show accountability in governance and be progressive. Today, Rwanda has risen from the ashes that rested on their earthed cities and has shone the light of development in the East African block. These achievements were only possible through a cooperative agreement for a peaceful, prosperous and self-reliant nation. Evidently, these choices have created one of the best civil societies in Africa. With worldclass infrastructure and a fast-growing educational sector, Rwanda has also reached gender parity in both education and governance. Rwanda is growing its population for continuous development with this choice of direction.
In the spirit of the Kwibohora celebration, the lessons of“ freedom of choices” are not only important for Rwandan citizens but should be reflected to the rest of Africa through its diplomatic policies. Let this freedom to make progressive choices in Rwanda inspire other African countries that have been held backward by anti-development choices and activities. Let leaders of African countries with socio-political conflict understand the power of the choice to live in peace and be accountable and self-reliant as a nation.
The compromise of imposition and deposition has been defeated in Kigali’ s 1994 triumph. This statement alone should defend the national interest of African leaders subjected to inclusive development including Rwanda. Certainly, good leadership creates sustainability in development through continuity choices. These choices inspire investors, progressive international relations, bilateral trade and multilateral trade relations through democratic processes. Surely, there is hope for Africa as the sun that has risen in Kigali shines the light for African development.
Long live Kigali, Long live Rwanda, and Long live Africa. •
* The author is Researcher, Security & Policy Advisor
2018 • RWANDA • 9