Rwanda: Moving Forward in Difficult Times

This month marks the 15th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. During the intervening years much has changed in the country: the economy has literally risen from the ashes of war. The government has strengthened regional and international trade relations. Poverty rates have, until recently, been dropping. More young people are in school and at universities and they dream of a better future.

But, along with these positive change have come concerns--concerns over growing authoritarian tendencies of the government, limitations on press freedom, and intolerance of criticism, often labeled as anti-genocide ideology. These worries are real and they make political observers and potential investors nervous: authoritarian governments too often close the mouths of critics as well as the doors of opportunity.

In this article by The Economist, the author points out the important ties that exist between sustained economic growth and continuing peace. Excessive government control limits citizens' freedom; it also limits entrepreneurial exploration. Both are essential if the government wants to see more of its people flourish in ways that they find to be valuable. Rwandans in the public sector and in the private sector have worked hard to build a diversified marketplace for commerce, but flourishing requires more than economic success. Ultimately, the great post-genocide challenge may be building and supporting a marketplace of competing ideas.

- Karol

A hillside in Kigali, Rwanda.