Charles Onyango-Obbo recently wrote on his X handle about an unusual journalistic endeavor: “In an unprecedented move, 50 journalists from 17 media outlets in 11 (mostly European) countries got together on an alleged $2 million joint project to ‘investigate’ just one country – Rwanda. The media, including Der Spiegel (Germany), Le Monde (France), The Guardian (UK), and Haaretz (Israel) have published a series of critical supplements. Kigali – or President Paul Kagame – seems to have upset some people somewhere in the world big time. This is likely the first such coordinated global media effort against a single country – particularly an African one – at this scale.”

– Reasons for Backlash
– What has Rwanda done to deserve this backlash?
– Who facilitates those seeking to halt Rwanda’s progress?
– Can the negative forces derail the country’s forward surge?

Rwanda’s Dual Spotlight

Negative Attention
Rwanda’s notable success threatens established interests, particularly those of powerful nations that have historically thrived on domination and exploitation. Rwanda’s consistent economic, political, and social sustainability poses a challenge to these norms, inspiring other countries to follow its path and drawing the ire of those who prefer the status quo.

Positive Attention
Rwanda’s significant and transformative achievements naturally attract global media attention. The news media thrives on extraordinary stories, and Rwanda’s progress provides fertile ground for coverage. Over the last 30 years, Rwanda has been unrivaled in unconventional policy formulation and execution, impacting the lives of its people positively. This success from an African state, where sustainable functionality is often unexpected, draws attention and action to reinstate it to a perceived “rightful place.”

Rwanda’s Unyielding Spirit

Rwanda’s resilience dates back to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. When the politically bankrupt regime of the time was near defeat, France intervened by establishing Zone Turquoise in Southwestern Rwanda to prevent Kagame’s forces from triumphing. Despite these efforts, Kagame’s forces were never stopped. This resilience has continued, shaping the national psyche with the belief that determination can overcome any challenge.