Rwanda, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame and the RPF Inkotanyi, has been a particular target of this strategy. Figures like Paul Rusesabagina and now Victoire Ingabire are the latest tools in a long series of failed attempts to weaken the country's stability and influence its leadership. However, once again, Western backers are betting on the wrong person at the wrong time.
Victoire Ingabire has been presented by her Western supporters as a political activist, a so-called voice for democracy in Rwanda. Yet, her past affiliations with criminal networks and groups linked to destabilization efforts paint a very different picture.
The attempt to whitewash her image ignores her documented ties to individuals and organizations responsible for violence and chaos. No matter how much effort is put into rebranding her as a 'freedom fighter,' her record will continue to haunt her credibility.
This strategy of amplifying problematic figures has been tried and tested in other parts of the world. For example, in Venezuela, Juan Guaidó was propped up as an opposition leader, attempting to delegitimize a sitting government.
In Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky transitioned from an outsider to a Western-backed leader with CIA connections playing a pivotal role. In Russia, Alexei Navalny became a symbol of anti-establishment forces pushed by Western entities. The goals are clear: regime change or at least applying enough pressure to extract concessions. In Rwanda, however, such tactics are destined to fail.
The key difference between Rwanda and other nations targeted by similar strategies lies in the effectiveness of the government. Under the RPF Inkotanyi, Rwanda has undergone a remarkable transformation across nearly every sector.
For example, in the health sector, life expectancy rose from 47.5 years in 2000 to 67.5 years in 2021. Over 90% of the population had health insurance by 2014, ensuring better access to healthcare.
In education, primary education enrollment reached 87.3% in 2021/22, while secondary enrollment improved with a net rate of 25.4%. Tertiary education expanded rapidly, with universities and other higher learning institutions growing from one in 1994 to over 30 by 2023.
The economy is growing steadily, infrastructure is modernizing at an impressive rate, and healthcare and education systems are improving.
Statistics indicate that GDP has risen by an average of 8.2% annually from 2022 to 2023 and 9.7% in early 2024. Per capita income increased from $127 in 1994 to $909.9 in 2022, reflecting improved living standards.
Similarly, Rwanda's infrastructure has advanced with electricity capacity increasing plus other major investments in roads and ICT, including a 2,300 km fiber-optic network that has boosted connectivity and digital transformation.
These tangible achievements leave little room for opposition figures to gain traction among the population.
Most Rwandans are not interested in supporting opposition figures when they see consistent delivery on promises from the government. In fact, many ask themselves why they would gamble their country's future on divisive individuals with questionable agendas when the current government continues to exceed expectations.
Hope for a brighter future under Paul Kagame's leadership remains high, and trust in the government has only grown stronger over time.
Western entities have also tried to infiltrate Rwandan civil society, hoping to sow dissent from within. These efforts, however, have been thwarted by the government's robust structures and the unity of the Rwandan people.
The RPF Inkotanyi's focus on inclusivity, good governance, and accountability has made it difficult for foreign actors to create divisions or exploit weaknesses. The effectiveness and popularity of the government leave little room for opposition movements to gain ground.
By choosing to elevate figures like Victoire Ingabire, Western powers are betting on individuals who lack both credibility and grassroots support within Rwanda. Their efforts are not only futile but also reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the Rwandan political landscape.
The country's citizens, having experienced unparalleled growth and stability, are unwilling to risk their progress by supporting divisive figures or external agendas.
Moreover, attempts to frame Rwanda as a country in need of external intervention overlook the fact that its development model has become a beacon of hope for many in the region. Rwanda is not Venezuela, Ukraine, or Russia. The dynamics here are different, and the strategies that may have worked elsewhere are unlikely to succeed against the unity and resilience of the Rwandan people.
Western attempts to use individuals like Victoire Ingabire to destabilize Rwanda and put pressure on its government are destined to fail. The effectiveness of the RPF-led administration, combined with the trust and optimism of the Rwandan people, ensures that such strategies will not take root.
Rwanda's progress is a testament to what can be achieved with visionary leadership, and its people remain steadfast in their support for a government that delivers results. The West would do well to respect Rwanda's sovereignty and focus on partnerships based on mutual respect, rather than tired, ineffective tactics aimed at destabilization.
Kayonga J.
Source : https://en.igihe.com/opinion/article/why-rwanda-s-progress-makes-figures-like-ingabire-irrelevant
