GLPOST

Rwanda: a puzzling tale of growth and political repression – get the data

Two decades after the genocide, Rwandans are enjoying longer and wealthier lives, yet extreme poverty persists and activists complain of political suppression. Here’s a statistical breakdown of the major developments since 1994

Double take … a busy Kigali street reflected in a shop window. Post-genocide Rwanda is an odd blend of growth and extreme poverty. Photograph: Dai Kurokawa/EPA

Twenty years after the 1994 genocide that claimed the lives of 800,000 people, much of the international commentary about Rwanda swings between extremes – astonishment at the country’s dramatic public health and economic success, and condemnation of alleged political repression under President Paul Kagame.

 

Development indicators tell a story of significant changes in education, public health and the economy – Rwandans are living longer and are better off economically than 20 years ago – but extreme poverty remains a reality for more than 60% of the population. FULL STORY

 

 

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