Rwanda: History and Hope

(Paperback)

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Imagine a nation with the highest proportion of women legislators in the world. Imagine a country where a democratically elected president is committed to gender equality and poverty reduction, where urban and rural schools are being wired to the Internet, and where the government is committed to becoming a middle-income country by 2020. Imagine that this country is located in the heart of sub-Saharan Africa and that this progress comes in the wake of one of the 20th century's worst genocides. Fifteen years removed from a mass genocide that resulted in the deaths of nearly one million people, Rwanda today presents a model for hope, justice, innovation and human development. In fact, Rwanda is now a leader in achieving economic, political and social progress in this beleaguered continent. A new model of governance has emerged in this poor, African country. This model, which draws on century's old Rwandan customs called Ubudehe and IMIHIGO, is inclusive, transparent, empowers the poor, and holds leaders accountable for improving the well being of people in their districts. Rwanda: History and Hope focuses on the innovative path Rwanda has taken in governance and reconciliation, gender equity, education, health and economic growth. The authors spent a decade working and researching in the country to prepare this path-breaking book.

Reviews

A timely book for those who are interested in knowing more about the Rwanda of today How Rwanda emerged from the horrors of Genocide to become a model of development and governance is a story to be told. This is whatEnsign and Bertrand do in this highly readable book. -- David Macrae, European ambassador to Rwanda, 2004-2009
Rwandans and those who follow developments in our country should find this work invaluable-it should not only set new standards in academia, but also provides powerful tools for improving informed policymaking in our country through its insights and ideas. -- Paul Kagame, president of the Republic of Rwanda
This book challenges the pervasive misconceptions about progress in Rwanda since 1994, and carefully analyzes the evidence for Rwanda's success. It is a significant contribution and should be read not only by those interested in Rwanda but also students and practitioners of development. -- Eamon Kelly, president emeritus, Tulane University; executive-director, Payson Center for International Development and Technology Transfer

Author Bio

Margee M. Ensign is dean of the School of International Studies and associate provost for International Initiatives at the University of the Pacific. William E. Bertrand is the Wisner Professor at Tulane University.