Paul Kagame - The Statesman

Very few military leaders who become statesman end up as effective statesman. After Pasteur Bizimungu took over as the President of Rwanda he was ineffective in managing the genocide torn country. Many Hutus were killed in reprisal killings by the RPF. The state was still in poverty with a few having opportunity for education or employment. In 2000 in an internal political coup Pasteur Bizimungu was deposed and replaced by Kagame as President. In the 17 years of Kagame’s rule Rwanda has rapidly developed into a Middle income economy. For an African country landlocked on all sides and being poor in Natural resources. With a history of sectarian violence ruled by a leader from a despised minority the work that was cut out for Kagame was arduous. Which he did splendidly. Rwanda has posted a 8% growth rate in the last decade many new industries and startups have developed in Rwanda in the last decade which has revitalized the economy. Power plants have been making it one of the most electrified African states. The tourism Industry has been revitalized and it sees it providing 43% of the Rwandan economy. Kagame’s Work has been recognized by many international Organisations for his work. His government is also very progressive its one of the few central African countries which has supported LGBT rights, abolished capital punishment. The Rwandan parliament holds the record for maximum percentage of women members.