Senegalese writer Aziz Fall recently visited Rwanda, where he discovered a country that has overcome a traumatic past to become a beacon of hope and determination for the African continent. Fall's visit was marked by a sense of wonder and admiration for Rwanda's remarkable progress, from its clean and orderly streets to its thriving economy and strong sense of national cohesion. He notes that Rwanda's story is one that can inspire other African countries to strive for similar achievements.
Fall's first evening in Kigali, Rwanda's capital city, left a lasting impression on him. He recalls sitting at a table in an elegant restaurant overlooking the city, with the lights of Kigali shimmering across the hills as far as the eye could see. He asked his companion why they had chosen to come to Rwanda, and the response was simple yet revealing: to learn from Rwanda's leaders and be part of a human adventure that makes it possible to achieve great things. This response reflects the aspirations of many young Africans who see Rwanda as a benchmark for progress and development.
One of the key aspects of Rwanda that impressed Fall was the country's strong sense of discipline and cleanliness. He notes that civic cleanliness is not just a proclaimed value, but a lived reality in Rwanda, where construction sites are numerous yet orderly, and public spaces are free from obstruction. This attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness reflects a deeper understanding of the relationship between the outer and inner aspects of human life, where the inner refers to the heart, mind, and soul. Fall sees this as a key factor in Rwanda's success and a lesson for other African countries.
Fall also highlights the sense of safety that pervades Rwanda, which he attributes to the country's leadership and commitment to meeting the expectations of its citizens. He notes that Rwandans arrive at work on time, honor their commitments, and prioritize the common good over individual interests. This sense of responsibility and professionalism was evident during a meeting of the Senegal-Rwanda Joint Commission, where Fall was struck by the warmth, availability, and focus on results of his Rwandan counterparts.
The meeting of the Senegal-Rwanda Joint Commission opened up new investment opportunities in areas such as tourism, textiles, and agribusiness. Fall sees these opportunities as a gateway to a whole world of possibilities, where Rwanda can offer a model for other countries to follow. He notes that the "Visit Rwanda" slogan is more than just an invitation to stay in the country; it is an invitation to experience the treasures and beauty that Rwanda has to offer, and to learn from its successes.
Fall believes that Rwanda's success is not just a national achievement, but a continental one. He argues that Africans can learn from Rwanda's example and strive to achieve similar successes in their own countries. He also believes that the rest of the world can learn from Rwanda's approach to leadership, national cohesion, and development. Fall sees Rwanda as a shining example of what can be achieved through determination, hard work, and a commitment to the common good.
Despite Rwanda's many successes, Fall acknowledges that there is still work to be done, particularly in the area of national cohesion and reconciliation. He notes that the work of reconciliation is never finished and requires a daily effort to build peace and strengthen national unity. However, he is convinced that Rwanda's progress is a testament to the power of human resilience and determination, and that the country's story can inspire other African countries to strive for similar achievements.
Key points
- Rwanda's remarkable progress is a testament to the power of leadership, national cohesion, and determination.
- The country's strong sense of discipline and cleanliness is a key factor in its success.
- Rwanda's story can inspire other African countries to strive for similar achievements in areas such as development, national cohesion, and leadership.
