Black History Month – Day 29 – Rwanda

15 hours ago, we flew out of Haiti, and here we are, taxing down at the Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.

Rwanda! you eyeball me, huffing off, what else is there to know about Rwanda that is not yet known?

Well, this mindset is why you glossed over Covey’s rule No.1 of seek first to understand. If you set aside your pride, who knows what else you will learn? Moreso, at the end, I will share a free link to this intriguing genocide-survivor story that I came across recently.

Sure, I agree with you that #Rwanda was a victim of sibling rivalry stoked by overambitious parents with low EQ. You are also right that she is Africa’s #SiliconValley. Again, I concede to you that she now runs an inclusive government with the highest number of female parliamentarians globally

Nonetheless, what else do you know about her?

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/%C3%A0m%C3%A1r%C3%A1-%E1%B9%85%E1%B9%85%C3%A1ji-19b11817_blackhistorymonth-linkedinlearning-activity-7388901723093798912-_l6s?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAANmBAcBzbkwWDKjpKSNgHsQteKvqf2Bg9A

Did you know that after the genocide and as part of nation rebuilding:

• Kinyarwanda became a Unifier? Rwanda, today, stands as one of the few African countries where nearly everyone speaks a single indigenous language – Kinyarwanda. This linguistic unity plays a powerful role in reconciliation and national identity.

• Imigongo Art: originating from Eastern Rwanda, now serves as a symbol of cultural revival and eco-conscious creativity. A traditional art fabricated from cow dung, shaped into geometric patterns and dyed with natural pigments.

• Gacaca Courts: After the genocide, little Rwanda did something that mighty Nigeria has not been able to achieve after the Biafran civil war. They implemented a community-based justice system rooted in traditional practices.

• Gacaca means short grass, depicting the way our elders used to sit at city squares to preside over cases. A reminder that justice is not only legal – it is cultural, emotional, and communal. According to Historyrise.com, over 12,000 courts helped process nearly 2 million cases, emphasising truth-telling and reconciliation over retribution. Unfortunately, though, the human factor came into play here, like at the Oputa Panel of Nigeria

• Umuganda: The last Saturday of each month is a national day of community service. Similar to Nigeria’s Environmental Sanitation. On the last Saturday of each month, Rwandans participate in Umuganda. A legally mandated, but also culturally embraced event. It fosters civic pride and collective responsibility.

Oh, by the way, as an importer or exporter, you would appreciate her e-government platforms, one of the most efficient on the continent. At least, it will save you costs and grant you speed to market.

I hope I made your time worthwhile. Now, before you stride off, remember that story I promised you? Check the link below for it. In addition to another story I wrote when I attended the 31st Kwibuka.

“Kwibu what?”

“Go and check it out below”

https://lnkd.in/eHBrxV6f

#blackhistorymonthuk #linkedinlearning #amarannajiwrites