By Benjamin Mkapa
President Kagame’s statement to European and foreign inquisitors that “We are what we are” should stimulate us to proclaim our identity. I am not arguing for summary rejection of Foreign influence. Rather I am make the case for an African renaissance.
In our understanding of growth, the parameters of transformation and the distinctness of our Identity in the new World Order. When Rwanda deployed its traditional gachacha justice system it exemplified revolutionary pragmatism.
The torch bearers of this parcel of development will have to be the Youth and it is the responsibility of those in power to prepare them, positively and practically, to take over. Development requires capacity to transform resources into goods and services.
This in turn demands education and skills. The challenge to provide relevant education must be addressed – institutionally, academically in terms of curriculum, design, and philosophically.
As the independence and post independence era leader age and retire, the youth are clamoring for their posts. They reject the appeasement of their being “future” leaders; they want leadership now.
The Youth must in particular be taught the History of our Liberation. Our achievements will not come about by imitating our Colonisers! They will accept the challenge of Agenda 2063
Whatever the complexion of the political profile in our countries – dominant party or strongly multi-party – the Youth must accorded representation. As must be the Women. As a matter of Right but because these groups are destined to be the hardest hit victims of political instability and social strife.
The saga of the Arab spring early this decade is sufficient testimony. Because political parties basically seek popular power to form Government and govern the country, it is necessary, in the necessary, in the interest of national stability, that in their constitutions and election manifestos, they reflect the national Ethos.
This imperative is often ignored or underrated during elections in multi-party Africa countries. But even where the playing field is open political conduct must not disturb peace and stability. It must respect the Law. Because where there is instability, there can be no development: investments, both local and foreign are scared, production is stalled, markets are shriveled and incomes declined. Such civic education must go side by side with Transformation.
So what is Development Transformation which we in Africa earnestly should seek? It has many faces and phases; from Poverty Eradication to Industrialization. I believe the paramount step is the elimination of hunger, ignorance and disease. When these afflictions and oppressions are ended we will have begun the journey of Transformation and sustainable Development.
At the first international conference I attended as President, Aid for Development, or Development Assistance was on the Agenda. I made this point. For a developing country, when a citizen/county is food full up he can think and execute measures for food sustainability, seek water for nutrition, and rarely require health attention. When a citizen is health insured, he can concentrate on food self-sufficiency projects. When the citizen is knowledgeable, he will know how to ward all these pestilences. I argued for these aid priorities; I don’t think I was taken seriously.
A few years ago at a conference here in Kigali I praised the RPF leadership and government policy on people’s development. I said because of its achievements in universal education, universal health care, universal food self-sufficiency, Rwanda was more developed than some of the old developed countries. I was surprised to see how extensively my observation was tweeted on the Internet. I was surprised because I thought I had stated the obvious. Development must be people centered and liberating inclusively! Otherwise it will not be sustainable.
An important condition for successful transformation is education for Self-reliance. We are quick to assert our independence, but too often we reveal an addiction to Eurocentric thought, values and way of life. We exhibit the bond of the way of doing things and constructing development plans with the eyes of our former colonial masters and present day developed countries.
Thus, as Ghana’s President Nana Akenfo Ado said two weeks ago, at the back of the Africa-Europe Conference in Ivory Coast, we have a mindset of dependence, that foreign aid will drive development. No it will not. Self-reliance will. Self-reliance on our minds, our muscles and our resources. Yes we can do it. We need to rid ourselves of the mindset of developmental dependence. There is a saying in Swahili: Favours enslave!!
What does liberation and development require of us going forward? Accept the reality of history past destiny: Africa is 54 independent African Countries. But work for the lively realization that fundamentally we are Africans in designated geographical territories. If I recall properly I remember President Kagame him saying that he is an African who happens to be in Rwanda.
We must then be propelled to cement this inter-territorial Africanism in all spheres political, economic, social and cultural. Plead incessantly, proactively for Integration – beginning with the Region.
We must equally ardently strive to lay the foundation blocks of a United Africa. We must strive to persuade the nation states of Africa to surrender, progressively, some of their sovereignty, political, economic and social for a greater entity, a united, dynamic African Union, denouncing genocide on the continent and the wider world, pressing for a review of the global economic architecture so that it releases more equitable outcomes.
With such engagement there is the possibility of developing, a united, influential Africa. We shall be heard. Change in both our consideration and our rights will be respected. That is the challenge of the legacy of present Leadership and the heritage of the young generations. As Mwalimu would say, “It can be done. Play your Part!”
Editor’s note: a heavily edited Keynote speech by former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa at the RPF-Inkotanyi 30th Anniversary International Conference on Africa’s Liberation and Transformation
