Author: Filip Reyntjens
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The revolution devours its children: The fall of a royal house in republican Rwanda
The rise and scattering of an elite family, not on account of their ethnicity, but despite it, exemplifies the tragedy of authoritarianism in Rwanda. In 1793, ... -
Rwanda: The eternal sunshine of the spotless election
Kagame’s latest electoral victory is testimony to the impressive work of the electoral commission in moulding the numbers to fit predetermined results. At the 15 July ... -
Back to the future in the Great Lakes: Who’s backing the M23?
In May 2013, the M23 surrendered to a multinational onslaught in eastern Congo-Kinshasa. Is history repeating itself? The Congolese National Armed Forces (FARDC) reinforce their positions ... -
From ethnic amnesia to ethnocracy: 80% of Rwanda’s top officials are Tutsi
Despite the state’s policy of ignoring ethnicity, most people know their leaders are mostly Tutsi. This research examines the extent of this trend. After the Rwandan ... -
“I will also fight with you”: President Kagame, Rwanda’s Berater-in-Chief
The transcript of a recent government summit shows how President Kagame openly reprimands senior officials, who take it lying down. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda may ... -
Rwanda’s election outcome is already decided
Only President Paul Kagame has a chance of winning the 2017 presidential election. And he could stay in power until 2034. “More of a coronation than ... -
Rwanda isn’t opposed to international justice, it’s opposed to independent justice
Rwanda claims its withdrawal from an African Court declaration just as that court was about to begin Victoire Ingabire’s hearing was pure coincidence. During an African ... -
Lies, damned lies and statistics: Poverty reduction Rwandan-style and how the aid community loves it
Rwanda’s latest survey suggests poverty reduced 6%. A more meaningful comparison using the same data suggests it’s actually increased 6%. Some time ago, I congratulated the ...
