Rwanda: Setting the stage for 2017 and beyond

Abstract

Tertsakian describes Rwanda's post-genocide trajectory, juxtaposing the country's remarkable development with tight restrictions on freedom of expression. This chapter outlines the 2015 constitutional revision process that paved the way for President Paul Kagame to stand in the 2017 elections. It details patterns of repression since the genocide, including the silencing of internal dissent in the ruling party, the weakness of opposition parties and independent media, and the destruction of independent civil society. Tertsakian contrasts donors' reactions to Rwanda's actions in neighbouring countries with a broadly tolerant approach to persistent human rights violations inside Rwanda. She concludes that continuing repression risks jeopardising Rwanda's progress since the genocide.