Rwanda becomes African model state

Radio Netherlands Worldwide, 31 January 2010 - 10:14am, by Sebastiaan Gottlieb

Fifteen years after it plunged into genocide, Rwanda has emerged as a safe and stable country. The economy of this small African nation is the fastest growing on the entire continent. Political order has come under the leadership of President Paul Kagame.

Almost all of those involved in the Rwandan genocide have now stood trial at the Gacaca community justice courts. Nearly 800,000 people have been convicted. A number of them are serving their sentences in Mpanga prison, which was partly funded by the Netherlands.

Many people outside of Rwanda still base their view of the country on the terrible massacres and atrocities which took place during the genocide of 1994. But that image is now outdated. Rwanda is rapidly developing into a model state for Africa.

The ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis appear to be under control. A law has been passed which forbids making reference to different population groups. Everyone in the country is Rwandan and no more distinctions are made along ethnic lines.

Rwanda has not only raised its economic and political profile but it is also making significant strides on the environment, with a strong focus on renewable energy and combating pollution. Increasing numbers of people are hooked up to eco-friendly power. And once a month, everyone in Rwanda helps keep the streets and doorsteps clean.

Rwanda is by far the least polluted country in Africa. There is even a ban on plastic bags, which have been entirely replaced by paper. In many ways, Rwanda can serve as an example, not only to other African countries but also to the wealthy countries of the West.