I believe human nature is the weakest of all God’s creatures . It sounds weird for many of us but that is the sad truth. Look at it this way, a cow can not change it diet from herbs to flesh. Unless scientists prove me wrong. But human beings can easily become cannibals in a matter of seconds. That being so, we see our politicians metamorphosing themselves by embracing the first comer with a good offer regardless of their political agendas and opinions. Unlike African politicians, their counterpart in the west still have a little of dignity by respecting and sticking to their policies. The last such a case has been seen in France during the second round of presidential elections when François Bayrou a centrist refused to form a coalition with Nicholas SARKOZY from the right. Bayrou cited policy incompatibility among other reasons.
The metamorphose that I’m talking about can also be for a good reason. You want an example? Take His Excellency Paul Kagame the current Rwandese president. As a human being, he has his strong and weak points. Some of his weakest point is the way he leads the Rwandan government. I was really shocked some two years back to hear him referring to himself as the Chief Executive Officer - CEO - of Rwanda Inc. What went through my head after hearing him was that he rules on Rwanda and that could be confirmed by just walking in Kigali’s streets apart of not having a genuine opposition. The luxury of naming him in public places meets amazed faces from locals. His rigueur also helped a lot to the emergence of Rwanda. Since he started his first term of seven years in 2003, insecurity dropped, the economy began rising, in short Rwanda commenced heading to prosperity. His economic reform was called Kagamenomics by some columnist.
Kagamenomics is the best reform I have ever seen in Africa. I visited Rwanda for the first time in my life in 1998 when Pastor Bizimungu was at the helm. I returned in 2002 and the last time I was there is last month. Changes could have been seen with no need of putting spectacles. The thing I appreciated in the Kagamenomics was the withdrawal of all government guzzlers 4x4, Prado and all luxury engines that were being misused by officials to avoid government expenses. These vehicles were originally maintained by the government. Upon withdrawal, officials were encouraged to get earnest that will allow them to buy four wheel engines. The withdrawn vehicles were all taken to the AMAHORO stadium in Kigali for public auction. Up to date one can still see the vehicles at the stadium. It is true that this move saw almost 3000 government drivers losing their jobs. But Kagame did not just stop there; he also created a good investment environment to allow those who lost their jobs to be able to live. Recently Rwanda abolished work permits for all East African residents seeking for jobs or working already in Rwanda. Sources also say that he even intends to make Rwanda a free port thing that made Dubai what it is today. His vision 2020 is becoming a reality. The economy put aside, he also manages well his international policy. He joined the East African Community, is heading for the commonwealth, his army is one among the rare willing to serve in peacekeeping missions etc. He is a darling of the west by his way of managing Rwanda Inc. although he does not have a good record in human rights and democracy.
Kagame is a bushman; he fought all his life up to 1994. When ascending to power, he did not have a PhD in his luggage. The only one thing he had was determination and thats what makes Rwanda one of the fastest rising economies in the region. Can other African leaders put down their pride and follow his example? Kagamenomics if well implemented can fit well in many of our countries. Why then are we not following the step? He proved to us that good governance does not come from university degrees that we hold.