UBUDASA: Kagame and the Inkotanyi Magic

As Rwanda embarks on the campaign trail for the presidential and parliamentary elections, it is crucial to reflect on how far the nation has come and address the issues raised by so-called experts on democracy, both from within and outside the country.

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.

When Pope John Paul II visited Rwanda in 1990, he referred to it 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, 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 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 magic is now a master card for people to achieve their agendas, whether by emulating us or by detracting from us. We have seen people getting voted in because Rwanda was their only manifesto. We are becoming a cornerstone for both our friends’ and enemies’ success.

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.

Christian H. CYUSA, is a socio-economic and political commentator based in Nairobi, Kenya. He publishes a regular blog accessed here http://cyussacs.blogspot.com/?m=1