Last week I appeared before a Congressional Committee looking into Rwanda’s Human Rights record, and appearing were State Department officials, so-called “experts” on Rwanda, including a former U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda.
Appearing also were two Rwandans, (I choose to call them Rwanda haters/traitors) David Himbara and Robert Higiro, whose laughable and child-like testimony the committee chose to believe willy nilly, and did not subject the witnesses to hard questioning to test their theories , innuendos and allegations. I did not hear any credible evidence, something one would sink teeth into to investigate their allegations of human rights abuses in Rwanda.
Take note : Congress is NOT in session, so I have to question the urgency of these hearings. Why on Rwanda when the rest of the continent is in turmoil?
You would be right in thinking that Congressional hearings are convened to seek the truth. Not so fast.
Twenty one years ago when genocide against Tutsi broke out there were no hearings. No urgent action to stop the genocide. We were told by the State Department during the Clinton administration that they did not have enough information to intervene and avert a human catastrophe.
I left this last hearing thinking the same.
Rwanda seems to attract unnecessary and biased attention. Considering the incredible progress Rwanda has made in governance, gender issues, a robust economy when most had written off Rwanda as a failed State in 1994, one has to wonder why Rwanda is the envy of many.
I do not wish to subscribe to the theory that Rwanda should not be put under a microscope. I am simply saying the playing field should be level so that Rwanda is not singled out for unfair treatment and criticism.
Considering the many hot spots in Africa, Rwanda should NOT attract this kind of unfair attention, when;
Nigeria is on the verge of being taken over by Boko Haram terrorists.
Xenophobia has become fashionable in South Africa.
Burundi is up in flames over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s seeking what many think is an illegal third term.
Al Shabab is causing insecurity in Kenya and threatens to destabilize the region.
Democracy in Egypt has been given a black eye following free and fair elections that brought in a candidate the U.S. did not like and was overthrown by the military with the approval of the U.S. when policy here at home is that we condemn all military coups. Such double talk.
Consider the fact also that the U.S. has diplomatic relations with some of the worst violators of human rights: Saudi Arabia, Israel, China, the DRC. most middle East regimes … and the list goes on.
Also consider the fact that Rwanda and the U.S. are partners in peacekeeping operations, and Rwanda contributes more troops to these missions than any other country.
Consider the fact that in 2014, over 100,000 Americans visited Rwanda and hundreds have also opened businesses in Kigali. Others have taken up Rwanda citizenship.
The U.S. should not villify Rwanda but be a trust worthy ally. Rwanda’s record in many fields far exceeds that of many developing countries, a beacon of hope in troubled waters and dangerous terrain.
A RWANDAN VOICE-and Perspective on Global Issues-Willis SHALITA 
Thanks Willis. As to the level playing ground, it’s a puzzle that’s that hard to figure out. It’s better to expect a hostile world than a friendly one.
Giving time to Himbara & Higiro may have more to do with who gave them access than the merits of their case. Let’s count our enemies. I think you know quite a few.
Such audacity by the Americans. Considering the amount
of indignity and brutality they continue to inflict on their black
population. Maybe they should look in the mirror and deal with
their own demons.
You would have to be living under a rock not to acknowledge
the strides that have been attained in both the economic and
social spheres in Rwanda.
Rwanda critics should also acknowledge the fact that all this
is achieved in the face of existential threats from her enemies
across the border in the DRC.
As always, you hit the nail on the head!
David Himbara needs to reveal where he found $190,000 to badmouth Rwanda https://sunnyntayombya.wordpress.com/…/david-himbara-needs-…
And you Willis can bad mouth other African countries as you like? I love Rwanda but just as much as you think you can attack other African countries, so will other assume the right to point out what is wrong with Rwanda. Although I must say Kagame is not perfect but he is a good example in many ways for Africa,