The Aftermath
After the genocide, the nation of Rwanda was left in pieces, with no structurally sound government and 800,000 fewer people than it had had merely a few years before. However, since the tragedy, the nation has focused on rebuilding itself and has done so with admirable success. This is largely due to the efforts of Rwandan Women, who after the genocide made up 70% of the country's population. Today, Rwanda boasts the largest number of women in the legislative system in Africa, and women have gained several important rights in the last decade and a half.
The government has stabilized, especially with the election of President Paul Kagame in the year 2000. Kagame "remains very popular within Rwanda and has received acclaim for his economic record" (Howard). Kagame's tactics are often criticized by outsiders from Rwanda, but it is certain that the nation is progressing out from one of the darkest points of its history under him. In order to create a new, united Rwanda, a new national anthem and flag have been created. Diversity is highly encouraged in school systems and the curriculum in Rwanda pushes the idea of learning from past mistakes. In school, children learn that such horrors must never be allowed to take place again. The Rwandan economy is beginning to flourish again, thanks to financial aid from western nations such as the United States. Although more work must still be done (the average annual income remains low) the country is well on the path to a better future. This progress is due mainly to "three main sources: the export of tea and coffee; foreign aid... and the tourism trade" (Howard). In addition, it is also becoming a center point for technology and development within the continent of Africa. |
Made by Emily Walz