The forum was organized in partnership with the International Observatory for Participatory Democracy in Africa (IOPD Africa) and the Union of Local Elected Officials of Senegal.
As confirmed by the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) via X on November 14, the award recognized Rwanda's strong reforms in digitizing local service delivery and its continued commitment to citizen-centered governance.
The award was received on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government, by Rwanda's envoy to Senegal, Amb. Festus Bizimana.
Over the past 31 years, Rwanda has implemented various programs aimed at empowering citizens. This has led to enhanced inclusive participation in governance, with over 80% of citizens now playing a role in solving problems. This figure has risen from 65.63% in 2018.
Besides, decentralization of leadership in Rwanda began in 2000, strengthening local government structures and improving their performance and service delivery.
This is reinforced by the district advisory councils that oversee the implementation of planned activities, thus making citizens' participation more evident.
The councils are also functional at the Sector, Cell, and Village levels. This has led to improvements in service delivery in sectors like healthcare and education, and it helps leaders easily identify what citizens need most.
This governance model that Rwanda adopted after the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi and the Liberation War is an example of how the country rebuilt itself by empowering citizens, ensuring inclusivity, and promoting technology.
It has allowed Rwandans to actively participate in and safeguard initiatives, as they should in a country that upholds democratic governance.
The integration of technology into governance has also further enhanced governance by promoting transparency and accountability among leaders, while citizens have easy access to information and a platform to engage with their leaders.
This approach that Rwanda has chosen has become a valuable lesson for other countries facing similar challenges to those Rwanda has overcome.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-awarded-for-excellence-in-local-leadership
