Khalid Tawalbeh
Kigali
In the heart of Africa, there’s a country whose very name evokes both sorrow and hope. Rwanda, once shattered by one of the darkest chapters in modern history, has not only rebuilt itself but risen as a beacon of progress and unity.
It is a story that reads like a modern-day miracle, where from the ashes of devastation emerged a nation determined to redefine its future, standing as a symbol of resilience, transformation, and potential in a continent often overshadowed by turmoil.
A nation’s deep wound
Rewind to 1994 and the picture of Rwanda was bleak. A brutal genocide, ignited after the assassination of then-President Juvénal Habyarimana, left more than 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis, dead in just 100 harrowing days. Neighbours turned against neighbours; the streets ran red with the blood of innocents. Families were torn apart, infrastructure crumbled, and Rwanda became synonymous with horror.
During a journey to Kigali, Qatar Tribune reporter Khalid Tawalbeh spoke to locals who shared their thoughts on Rwanda’s remarkable transformation. Many expressed pride in their country’s progress, highlighting the peace and unity that now define the nation.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Dr Joseph Mutabazi, a researcher in political science in Rwanda, recalled those days vividly.
"The pain was immeasurable. People didn’t just lose loved ones; they lost their sense of security, trust, and humanity. The genocide wasn’t just physical destruction, it was emotional and spiritual too. Rwanda was broken and it seemed impossible to imagine how it could ever be whole again,” Mutabazi said
Yet, from that dark time, a new chapter began. Slowly, and with unrelenting effort, the country began the long, hard process of healing.
Kagame’s vision
In 1994, Paul Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) brought an end to the genocide. Kagame, who would eventually assume the presidency in 2000, faced an impossible task: to rebuild a nation from nothing. Rwanda was in ruins, its economy in tatters, its social fabric ripped apart. But Kagame had a bold vision: to unite the country, not through the lens of ethnic divisions, but under a singular Rwandan identity.
One of the first steps his administration took was eliminating ethnic identifiers like "Hutu” and "Tutsi” from official records. This move, though controversial, was essential in shifting the focus from division to unity. His government also established the Gacaca courts, where perpetrators of genocide, related crimes could face justice, not through international tribunals but in local communities, allowing for a form of restorative justice aimed at national reconciliation.
Jean-Paul Ndahiro, a Kigali-based entrepreneur who lost several family members during the genocide, told Qatar Tribune that the reconciliation process was vital for Rwanda’s future.
"It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Many of us had to face the people who had harmed our loved ones, and somehow, we had to find it in our hearts to forgive. Without forgiveness, we could never have moved on,” he said.
Building a future
With reconciliation underway, Kagame’s government turned its attention to the future. The launch of Vision 2020 was the blueprint for a new Rwanda, one that focused on reducing poverty, improving education, building infrastructure, and creating a more diverse economy. The plan was audacious but grounded in the belief that Rwanda could rise again, not just as a survivor of tragedy but as a thriving, competitive nation on the world stage.
Rwanda’s commitment to transparency and good governance played a pivotal role in this transformation. The country rapidly became known for its anti-corruption measures, ensuring that the development funds flowed where they were needed most. Kagame’s administration created a system where progress in every sector, be it education, infrastructure or healthcare, was meticulously monitored, with accountability at its core.
"Performance is everything in Rwanda now,” explained Dr Mutabazi. "The government isn’t just interested in setting goals; they measure them. Every year, they reassess and adapt. It’s a model of governance that you don’t see often in this part of the world.”
The results have been staggering. Rwanda’s economy has been growing at an average of seven percent annually for over two decades, attracting international investments and positioning the country as a hub for technology and innovation.
The Kigali Innovation City is one such example, turning Rwanda into Africa’s emerging "Silicon Savannah”.The government’s focus on technology is part of a broader strategy to transition Rwanda into a knowledge-based economy by 2035.
Kigali: a city transformed
At the centre of Rwanda’s rebirth is its capital, Kigali. Once the epicenter of the genocide’s brutality, Kigali today is unrecognisable from the city it was in 1994. Known as one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities, Kigali has become a symbol of the country’s remarkable transformation. The streets are pristine, lined with trees and modern infrastructure. Public transportation is efficient and waste management is cutting-edge.
"Kigali represents what Rwanda stands for today,” said Ndahiro. "We’ve gone from despair to hope. Every corner of this city shows what can be achieved when you believe in rebuilding, not just physically but emotionally. Rwanda’s rebirth is visible in its streets, its people, and its spirit.”
Rwanda’s environmental policies have also gained global attention. The capital is a shining example of sustainable urban development, with the government enacting policies to reduce plastic waste and promote green energy.
Kigali is also home to the Kigali Convention Centre, a gleaming structure that regularly hosts international conferences, further positioning Rwanda as a hub for global business and diplomacy.
Challenges remain
Despite the undeniable progress, Rwanda’s journey is far from complete. While the cities flourish, rural areas lag behind in access to basic services like electricity and clean water. Poverty, though drastically reduced, remains a significant issue.
A Beacon for Africa
Rwanda’s rise from the horrors of genocide to becoming a symbol of modern African development is nothing short of extraordinary. It stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when a nation comes together to rebuild, not just its economy but it’s very soul.