Regional
Rwanda's peaceful elections a big loss to HRW
For Human Rights Watch (HRW)
to stay relevant to its financiers, it often needs to produce damning reports
about rights abuses or create situations that portray a government as
repressive or autocratic.
This is exactly what HRW
attempted when it sent its senior researcher, Clémentine de Montjoye, to Rwanda
under false pretenses well knowing she would not be allowed entry.
The Rwandan government
clarified that she had misrepresented the purpose of her visit. HRW’s intention
seemed clear: provoke a denial of entry to justify issuing statements that
would secure more funding.
To understand this better, we
can look back seven years to another Rwandan election period. Ahead of the 2017
presidential elections in Rwanda, HRW released a report listing Rwandans allegedly
killed by the government. The timing of such a report was aimed at creating a
global outcry and condemnation of Rwanda or even result in an internal uprising
ahead of the elections.
However, Rwandan authorities
conducted a counter-investigation and found that all the individuals HRW
claimed were dead were actually alive and safe, either in their homes or
relocated to different areas. However, HRW did not correct its errors – an
implication that it was not a mistake but a deliberate move.
HRW targets RPF-led government
The most important human
rights include the right to life, equality before the law, the right to health,
freedom from torture, non-discrimination, the right to education, and freedom
of movement. Ever since President Paul Kagame came to power, he has ensured
that all Rwandans have their rights respected equally.
Kagame’s commitment to human
rights has been a challenge for HRW. He has done everything right. As a result,
HRW can't find anything substantial to criticize in Rwanda.
For an organization like HRW,
having nothing to report on a well-organized, rapidly developing country like
Rwanda is a significant setback, making it hard for HRW to mobilize resources.
As Rwanda approaches the 2024
elections, Kagame will be running again – a prospect that does not sit well
with HRW and its minders. There is a lot of consensus rather than
confrontation. Too much peace in Rwanda than violence.
Among these achievements are
an advanced agricultural sector that has helped Rwandans obtain adequate yield,
ensuring food security locally.
Nearly 98 per cent of all Rwandans
have full access to universal medical care. The construction of roads
connecting all corners of the country with neighboring countries tremendously
facilitated trade that benefits everyone.
Rwanda is now working toward
reducing its dependence on foreign aid, helping people realize their potential
for self-development.
Under Kagame’s leadership
Rwanda has benefited tremendously from international relations and attracted
foreign investments that employed millions of Rwandans.
Rwanda has become a global
champion of women’s empowerment and promoting women’s rights. Education, skills
development, social protection, social diversity, and dissent settlements are
among the many achievements Kagame has made.
Kagame will hit the campaign
trail with an emphasis on sustaining what has been achieved, and doing more.
For HRW, these achievements are a setback to an organization that receives an average of $100 million in annual donations. As a result, HRW has to do everything possible, including manufacturing all sorts of lies, to attempt to discourage Kagame and Rwandans from achieving more.