Rwanda: President Paul Kagame Nominated for the Time 100 Magazine
Sunny Ntayombya and Agencies
The New Times-Kigali
April 27, 2009
April 27, 2009
Kigali — His Excellency, President Paul Kagame, has been nominated for the TIME Magazine '100 Most Influential Person of the Year'.
Nominated by Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, a past nominee himself, President Kagame, was lauded for having "helped put an end to the 1994 genocide and is now trying to lure investors to the region, drafting Tony Blair to serve as a business adviser", as put by TIME.
Ranked 24th- the highest ranked African- President Kagame outpolled global luminaries such as Russian Premier Vladimir Putin (35th), Morgan Tsvangarai (32nd), Oprah Winfrey (98th), Australian PM Kevin Rudd (114th), UK's Gordon Brown (132nd), recently elected South African President Jacob Zuma (180th) and, even more surprisingly, US President Barack Obama, who was ranked 37th.
What is the TIME Magazine 100 most influential people in the world list?
The Time 100 is an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, as assembled by TIME. Developed as a result of a debate among several academics, the list has developed into an annual event.
The list was started with a debate at a symposium at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center on February 1, 1998 with panel participants CBS news anchor Dan Rather, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, former New York governor Mario Cuomo, then-political science professor Condoleezza Rice, neoconservative publisher Irving Kristol and Time managing editor Walter Isaacson.
Those recognized fall in one of five categories: Leaders & Revolutionaries, Builders & Titans, Artists & Entertainers, Scientists & Thinkers, and Heroes & Icons. Within each category, the 20 most influential people (sometimes pairs or small groups) are selected, for a grand total of 100 each year.
Selection criteria
In 2004 Time's editors "identified three rather distinct qualities", when choosing the Time 100 explained TIME's Editor-at-Large Michael Elliott:
First, there were those who came to their status by means of a very public possession of power; President George W. Bush is the pre-eminent example. Others, though they are rarely heard from in public, nonetheless have a real influence on the great events of our time.
Think of Ali Husaini Sistani, the Grand Ayatullah of Iraq's Shi'ites, who in effect has a veto on plans to transfer power from those who occupy his country to its people...Still others affect our lives through their moral example.
Consider Nelson Mandela's forgiveness of his captors and his willingness to walk away from the South African presidency after a single term.
In the 2007 Time 100 list managing editor Richard Strengel explained that the Time 100 was not a list of the hottest, most popular or most powerful people, but rather the most influential, stating:
Influence is hard to measure, and what we look for is people whose ideas, whose example, whose talent, whose discoveries transform the world we live in. Influence is less about the hard power of force than the soft power of ideas and example.
Yes there are Presidents and dictators who can change the world through fiat, but we're more interested in innovators like Monty Jones, the Sierra Leone scientist who has developed a strain of rice that can save African agriculture.
Or heroes like the great chessmaster Garry Kasparov, who is leading the lonely fight for greater democracy in Russia. Or Academy Award winning actor George Clooney who has leveraged his celebrity to bring attention to the tragedy in Darfur.
Controversies
The fact that the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair was excluded from the 2004 list caused mild controversy. Time magazine editor-at-large Michael Elliott defended the decision to consistently exclude Blair:
Gerhard Schröder and Jacques Chirac are not there either. This is a worldwide list. There are no Western European political leaders on it because they are not that powerful or influential at this time.
Although George W. Bush has appeared on the list several times, controversy emerged when he was dropped from the list in 2007 in part because of the Democratic victory in the 2006 congressional election. Former Senator Rick Santorum (R) of Fox News said:
"The fact of the matter is, the president of the United States, I don't care who's in that office, is the most powerful man on the face of the Earth and has more influence over various aspects of lives, not just in this country, but around the world. And for Time magazine to dismiss that just shows you how biased and, I would argue, hateful they are".
"Any U.S. president has a certain built-in influence," explained Adi Ignatius, deputy managing editor at Time, who oversaw the list. "Bush had actually squandered some of that built-in influence. His position on Iraq has cost him support in his own party To a certain point, he sort of reached a lame-duck status,"
The list has generated controversy over who was included in other years as well. In 2005 conservative commentator Ann Coulter was listed causing Salon.com to observe:
When Time magazine named Ann Coulter among its 100 "most influential people" last week, alongside such heavyweights as Ariel Sharon, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Kim Jong Il and the Dalai Lama the choice produced guffaws online.
Plugging the issue on Fox News last week, Time executive editor Priscilla Painton insisted it was Coulter's use of "humor" that made her so influential, stopping just short of suggesting that Coulter is the conservative Jon Stewart.
But even Fox's Bill O'Reilly wasn't buying it. He pressed Painton: "Do you think people, Americans, listen to Ann Coulter? Do you think she has influence in public opinion?"
While Time magazine defended Coulter on the grounds that she is a best-selling author whose controversial commentary has impacted the discourse of the world's most powerful nation, she was not considered influential enough to make a repeat appearance on the list.
Dr. Rick Warren's recommendation of President Paul Kagame
President Paul Kagame, 51, of Rwanda , is the face of emerging African leadership. His reconciliation strategy, management model, empowerment of women in leadership, and insistence on self-reliance, are transforming a failed state into one with a bright future.
Rwanda 's rapid improvements have impressed the rest of the continent and Kagame's influence is exponentially greater than the size that his small country might warrant.
Paul Kagame is one of few leaders who has successfully modeled the transition from soldier to statesman. During the atrocities of the 1994 Rwanda genocide, the world watched in horror, but did nothing. Kagame, with no outside help, was solely responsible for ending the slaughter that murdered over a million citizens in 100 days.
When his best friend was killed, Kagame was forced to assume the leadership of the Rwandan exiles that ended the killing spree. He was hailed as liberator by his countrymen, but wisely refused the presidency at that point.
"What we needed most was unity", he said, "and I had not been elected,"
After the genocide, the nation was in shambles. Kagame and other began the slow process of rebuilding. But the process moved into hyper drive when he was elected president in 2000.
He launched a series of reforms and reconciliation strategies that have caught the attention of investors worldwide.
He has since taken the small but densely populated African country from division and devastation to unity and stability, fostering a social and economic recovery unimaginable 15 years ago. Even his critics respect his accomplishments.
He has since taken the small but densely populated African country from division and devastation to unity and stability, fostering a social and economic recovery unimaginable 15 years ago. Even his critics respect his accomplishments.
When Stephen Kinzer was writing a biography of Kagame, the president gave him a list of his critics and suggested that Kinzer could discover what the president was really like by interviewing them. Only a humble, yet confident, leader would do that.
Another uncommon characteristic is Kagame's zero tolerance for corruption. Rwanda is one of few countries where I've never been asked for a bribe. Anytime a government worker is caught in corruption, he is publicly exposed and dealt with. It is a model for the entire country - and the rest of the world too.
Some of the highest ranked TIME 100 Nominees
1. Anwar Ibrahim (ranked 2nd) born 10 August 1947 is a Malaysian politician who served as Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister from 1993 to 1998. Early in his career, he became a protégé of the Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad, but subsequently emerged as the most prominent critic of Mahathir's administration.
In 1999, he was sentenced to six years in prison for corruption, and in 2000, to another nine years for sodomy. On 26 August 2008, Anwar won the Permatang Pauh by-election with a majority of 15,671, returning to Parliament as leader of the Malaysian opposition. He currently faces new sodomy charges in the Malaysian courts.
2. Rick Warren (ranked 3rd), born 1954 in San Jose, California, is an American evangelical minister and author. He is the founder and senior pastor of Saddleback Church.
He is also a bestselling author of many Christian books, including his guide to church ministry and evangelism, The Purpose Driven Church, which has spawned a series of conferences on Christian ministry and evangelism. He is perhaps best known for the subsequent devotional, The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 30 million copies, making Warren a New York Times bestselling author.
3. Baitullah Mehsud ( ranked 4th) born in 1974, he is a leading tribal militia leader in Waziristan, Pakistan and the leader of the Taliban umbrella group, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, formed in December 2007. He is widely believed to be responsible for the 2007 assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
Time 100: World's most influential
Baitullah Mehsud - The 2008 TIME 100 - TIME
Joaquin Guzman Loera-The 2009 TIME-TIME
Baitullah Mehsud - The 2008 TIME 100 - TIME
Joaquin Guzman Loera-The 2009 TIME-TIME
posted by Mamadou Kouyate @ 11:50 AM
9 Comments:
It is astonishing the President of Rwanda Paul KAGAME is in the same category as Joaquin GUZMAN the biggest drug dealer in the world as I am writing right now.
The category is called leaders and revolutionary
That is how the tax payer's money is wasted; lobbying the 'international media' to fix Kagame or Rwanda anywhere they think Americans and the WEst in general will foucs their eyes. That is part of Dr. Emmanuel Ndahiro's mission in Kagame Junta. He is authorised to spend any amount of money for "image building' of the Junta. This is classified expenses!!!! !!!!
Very soon we shall know the exact amoung of money spend on the TIME journalists. Whatever the image building they are doing for Kagame junta, I have a dream of a day when he will not have 'a head' to be advertised!
Where is Nkunda these days? What is happening about him? Most of us have been busy with other things including SWINE FLU. Is he still enjoying 'the visit'?
LW,
Years ago the United States uses to have a good friend back in the in te early 80s.I remember it very well like it was yesterday.This guy was their man down in Central America.Actualy he was the man running the Canal of Panama.If I tell you his end,you will not believe it.The man still in jail as I am writing down in Florida.
To say that KAGAME is spending money for public relation.Not realy.He has some temporary friend in the USA who are taking care the business for him.During his last years in power Mobutu of Zaire had a good friend his name was PAT ROBERTSON,he was pastor a very close man to Bush and Reagan I meant the Republican Conservative party.Kagame has a guy in our day called Rick Warren who is highly influencial in the USA.He is the man who did the OBAMA invocation on his inauguration. As you know in politics this is all temporary.We lived to know MOBUTU...Yes we did...!It will all pass hopefuly it end good for my good friend the President of Rwanda.
SR,
Thanks for the information. It is true that there are some people like Pastor Warren in USA who are doing the Publicity for him 'voluntarily'! But we need to remember that Pastor Warren is now a contraversal figure in world politics. He is associated with a number of companies in the oil industry. He is said to own a number of shares in a military hardware industry in Uta!!! Most of these companies are doing business with Kagame Junta. Do they pay taxes? Do they go through the ordinary rules of tendering? The answer is no. So when we price shadow all these, then Pastor Warren is doing the publicity ofr Kagame at a certain price!!!
Secondly, we need to know that some news reporters in the New Times in New York are like employees of the Kagame Junta. They are paid for 'image building'. Even a few days ago, a friend told me that he was standing at 42 Street by the Metro Marche and he was surprised to see a big governmnet official coming out ot the main entry of the New Times with a group of news news reporters from this company; taking them 'out'. These personalities are nown.
In anycase, you rights put it, time will come to see off this guy exit!!!!It might be soon!!!
Dear LW,
Thanks for bringing ths subject.I would like to inform our readers the exact nature of the relation between Rwanda's Kagame and Rick Warren.
Actualy this type of relation is much different with the one Mobutu had with some americans Conserative pastors during the Reagan and Bush era.Those pastors were actualy helping Mobutu in exchange of some zairian riches thos days.For instance Pat ROBERTSON received a whole GOLD mine as a part of his lobbying.The KILO MOTO mine had been promised to Robertson had Mobutu remained in power after the 90s turmoil...And many others were exchanging their favors against Zaire minerals wealth...Like Jerry Farwell...
But for Warren it is entirely different.First of all KAGAME does not have anything material to give..if someone should give it will be Warren himself as he is far richer than Kagame and maybe the entire country.
On this relation Kagame has the best hand...and he knows how to play it.Rick WARREN is also a little different with the old Conservative folks.He capitalized on a book he wrote called PURPOSE DRIVEN which became a best seller in the USA.It is a book supposely will help someone attain success spirtualy and materialy.Kagame to get close to Warren he pretended that he read the book and he found it will be very helpful to get Rwanda move beyond the genocide..He proceeded on inviting Warren to visit his small country which was rising from the ashes of Genocide,receiving the pastor like a good personal friend,I understand even making him his guest in his own house...Kagame knew who was Warren and probably what he will get out of him and his powerful relation in the USA.
Anyway things worked right.The Rwandan peoples are in our days very much BORN AGAIN christians so it was bringing Warren in the right place to test what he had put in his books.Even now Warren classify Rwanda as a test country.One of the first thing which was done was to translate the book in plain KINYARWANDA language.Warren when is in Rwanda his church service are conducted in the national stadium with Kagame present.Warren has got involve himself in many activities(Schools,clinics,orphanage and lot more).He is actualy the closest friend to Kagame a kind of CO-PRESIDENT if you want.Whatever he want to done in Rwanda it is done quickly and very well.
I personaly had the opportunity to be in the presence of WARREN and KAGAME at the same time.I talked to Warren and believe me this man has Rwanda in his heart.Maybe even more than he has the USA.
Keep in mind that KAGAME himself is not a BORN AGAIN christian.He knows what he want.
This is to you SR,
I wonder if you ever respect anybody Mr. Rufagari or do at least your background before you hit send to all these informed human beings worldwide. I find it really disturbing to ridicule our seating president and his ministry of information as a group of confused Leaders in your repeated sent e-mails to us. Let me tell you one thing my brother Sharangabo,Rufagari: In Rwanda we value serious and consistent people be it in their homes and work areas or else the price is high if you fail to walk a straight line especially those in adminstration. Such fellows you tend to defend most have either fail their assigned duties and Rwanda cannot stand and watch to be a victim once again.
Just in case you didn’t know…IN RWANDA WE VALUE THE TERM (NEVER AGAIN)… Be it from BBC or Congo and elsewhere there is no more time for such loosers to play on our victims again.
Therefore, our leaders are consistent and serious in all they do for us Rwandese and at no time will they ever let us down. By the way, when were you last in Rwanda to believe that they are incompetent in their decision making? Mark you Our Rwandan Official are smart and they know what they are doing in heartbeat; Keep in mind and never 4get that our President and his administration are up for perfection nothing more No less. It is in our duties as Rwandese to embrace a culture of Respect to them and support them in order to realize our vision set for this country by them and we followers must follow. I feel sick when I read your emails putting our leaders and their work to dogs. If there is any mistake to point out please put it wisely and be polite and they will take note. Otherwise, utuka utamutuka aba y'ituka.
Thank you for your understanding.
Dear DS,
Let's hope that there is no gun put over your head to write me this nonsense.
I hope nobody is terrorizing you because of your nickname that is somehow similar to mine.
Kagame my friend,has failed.Next time you sees him tell him that your friend SR from Canada has been very disapointed of you.
Because he often relies on you to communicate with me, I will be sending via you and copying to the entire Rwanda a very powerful message.
Best greetings to him.
He sent you to me I know it already.
Dear DS:
I am realy surprised to read this trash from you.I hope you do remember what is called to "KISS ASS".
"Mark you Our Rwandan Official are smart and they know what they are doing in heartbeat; Keep in mind and never 4get that our President and his administration are up for perfection nothing more No less" ALBERT DS,Kigali,May 16 2009.
I cannot believe this is from you.If I understand well in Rwanda you have a whole ILLUMINATED LEADERSHIP which never fail,all knowing and annointed by the ALMIGHTY.
You very well know I will never buy that.Anyway the only thing I get from your letter is that HIS EXCELLENCY has been saddened over my multiple actions to bring him to his sences.
Let him know that the onslaught will remain until he correct the direction as far as the Original CNDP is concerned.Kagame knew very well that i was involved with the CNDP,he knew very well that i had invested myself and passionetely on the movement.I have never done anything wrong against this man before.On the contrary I am the one who defendeed his policies on the web and around the world better than any of his advisors.He knew that,he thanked me for it.I have never requested any help from him regarding our struggle in the DRC.But I did not expect that he will be the one to stab us in the back.I can be his best friend but also I could be his worst enemy.
I t came out as Kagame said to me F....YOU.I reacted F....YOU too. simple as that.
I understand he probably send you as he has done before.My message to him is we still can work out things.But he will need to correct his actions toward he CNDP and his leader.
Otherwise his WATERLOO is around the corner.
Pass the message,do not fear...!
Dear DS and SR:
Is this high school or just a deep desire to make utter fools of yourselves? - Please find a recreation park somewhere in Canada and fight beef it out - mano a mano! - It is embarrasing to be reading your personal, childish issues filled with empty inuendo and threats that only emphasize a total lack of self-respect. Plese forget to tell the rest of the world when you find out which of you won the penile race! Its a good thing we women are finally having enough seats in the house - maybe some work will actually get done - you know, like schools, hospitals, energy-technology...remember that to do list?
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