By David Himbara
In an extraordinary speech delivered at the end of the 2017 National Leadership Retreat, Rwanda president, Paul Kagame was merciless with his words. Not merciless towards his real or perceived political enemies but towards his own government. Kagame said that sooner or later, the world will see the lies his government has been spreading about security, and socioeconomic development. In Kagame’s own words:
“You can not keep telling lies and get away with it…When you say you eradicated poverty, it will find you on your doorsteps and you have nowhere to hide…Our ambassadors spread stories in Japan, China, Europe and America that we are in Rwanda enjoying peace and security to the fullest. But when these people visit Rwanda, they read that people are scared of going out at night because their chances of getting to their destination is 50%; they may disappear or get killed…”
According to the Rwandan president, the world will soon discover that:
- People are killed or simply disappear in Rwanda – and yet the government is always boasting of high security in the country.
- Hunger is ravaging Rwanda – and yet the government boasts of improved conditions in the country.
- Poverty claims lives prematurely – people barely live beyond 40 years, but yet government boasts of prosperity.
- Hospitals are without doctors – yet the government boasts of improved health for all Rwandans.
- Corruption is rampant – yet the government boasts being clean but by comparing with more corrupt neighbouring countries.
The Rwandan leaders listening to Kagame appeared lost and confused – because the president is the boaster-in-chief. He barely lives in Rwanda – travelling around the world telling the very lies he is now disclaiming.
Even Kagame’s sycophants must realize what we all know – Rwanda is trapped with a leader who simply will never take responsibility for his own failures. Here is a man who is openly conceding that his regime kills people, lies about development achievements, and is corrupt – but is preparing to grab power for the next 17 years, after ruling for 23 years.