Rwanda - The Politics of Success, Silence and Genocide Leverage

In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has wisely used international aid to transform its infrastructure and economy. But how far is progress being marred by its oppressive political regime? - Twenty years ago, 800,000 people were killed in the Rwandan genocide while the international community turned a blind eye. Today, Rwanda is a stable country with healthy economic growth; increasingly seen as a leader in African foreign policy and international relations. The country has one of the highest numbers of women MPs in parliament. Initiatives such as the 'One Laptop per Child' policy are said to have transformed its education system. Civil servants from other African countries are sent to Rwanda to learn from their health reform programmes. The Rwandan government has successfully exploited international guilt over the genocide to keep the aid money flowing in and directing where it goes.