Let's Stop Blaming the West for 'Rwandan Magic' Problem
This
weekend has witnessed a vigorous push-back by Kagame’s enthusiasts. One of
their key line, which has now become quite familiar, is that there is a
coordinated onslaught on Rwanda by western media and academics which started
with casting doubt on the accuracy of data that shows Rwanda’s progress on
poverty reduction and economic growth. Then they ice it up with an even more
tired line. That Western academics and media cannot contend with the fact that
a small country that just 25 years ago nearly went into oblivion (this must always be the
punchline), consistently defies their very low expectations of Africa. Listen
people, Africa’s and indeed any part of this world does not need its
development validated by the West or anybody. You simply need to take a tour of
Rwanda and listen to the Rwandans especially those scattered in the region and
abroad to have an informed opinion and perhaps agree that the so called ‘Rwandan
miracle’ is problematic. In fact, the amount of money that Kagame is getting in
aid does not seem to match the actual development that he dangles. It does not
mean there are no good things happening in Rwanda but let’s not overplay
whatever is going on there. There is no miracle that is happening in Rwanda.
Besides, there is sufficient evidence on the many social, political and
economic ills in Rwanda which run contra-the so called miracle. Let's not
foreclose every debate about and on Rwanda just because 1994 happened. 1994 was
tragic; it should never have happened; it must never be allowed to happen ever
again not in Rwanda not anywhere. But we must talk about Rwanda just as we talk
about any society. It is never unreasonable; not insensitive to keep reminding
ourselves that there is a way that Kagame and his enthusiasts are milking this
historical tragedy and that we are free (at least outside Rwanda) to have an
opinion too. By the way, even as we keep reminding the world about 1994 and the
mistake of others especially the West, I have never quite understood why
everybody else except Rwandans must be blamed for what happened. Even the West
has had its historical tragedies; these things are not unique to Rwanda and/or
Africa. Let’s stop this madness, learn from the past and shape the futures that
we want. We are not going to develop these futures by mystifying and deifying
certain individuals like Kagame and/or rendering some societies like Rwanda,
the untouchables. It does not work this way; it must not be allowed to work
this way.
Let's Stop Blaming the West for 'Rwandan Magic' Problem
Reviewed by Ibrahim Magara
on
August 19, 2019
Rating:

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