RWANDA NATIONAL CONGRESS (RNC): A SNAPSHOT

VISION:

We envision a new Rwanda that will be a united, democratic, and prosperous nation inhabited by free citizens with harmonious and safe communities who will live together in peace, dignity and mutual respect, regardless of class, ethnicity, language, region, origin or other differences, within a democracy governed according to universal principles of human rights and the rule of law.

VALUES:

Human dignity and respect for human rights, equality and non-discrimination, mutual respect, democracy and the rule of law, integrity, empathy, solidarity, patriotism, humility, forgiveness, the right and responsibility of citizens to hold leaders accountable, accountable leadership, truth, justice, and fairness.

10 -POINT POLITICAL PROGRAMME:

1.Stop and prevent violent conflict, including genocide and grave human rights violations that Rwanda’s people have periodically suffered and that have historically extended to citizens – men, women, and children – of neighboring states;

2.Eradicate a culture of impunity for human rights violations;

3.Create a conducive and progressive environment for inclusive social and economic development for all the people of Rwanda;

4.Establish, nurture and institutionalize democratic governance, particularly the rule of law in all its aspects;

5.Establish independent, non-partisan, professional civil service and security institutions;

6.Build a stable society that promotes and protects equality, embraces and celebrates diversity, and fosters inclusion in all aspects of national life;

7.Promote individual, community and national reconciliation and healing;

8.Promote harmonious relations, reconciliation and mutually- beneficial collaboration with the peoples and governments of neighboring states;

9.Resolve the chronic problem of Rwandan refugees;

10.Nurture a culture of tolerance to diverse ideas, freedom of discussion, and debate of critical issues.

13 STRATEGIES FOR TRANSFORMING RWANDA:

1.Mobilizing the People of Rwanda to Unite in the Struggle Against Dictatorship

2.The Need for a Transitional Government

3.The Imperative for National Dialogue

4.The Necessity of Reform of the State

5.Establishing a Constitutional and Legal Framework that Advances Freedom and Democracy

6.Reform of the Security Sector

7.Opening Space for Political Participation and Good Governance

8.Adoption of Consociationalism as Rwanda’s Form of Organization of Political Governance

9.Economic Empowerment and Development

10.Truth-Telling, Justice and Memory

11.Repatriation and Re-integration of Refugees

12.Unity, Reconciliation and Collective Healing

13.A Progressive Foreign Policy Based on Common Values and Interests, Adherence to International Law, and Mutual Respect Between States

Source: Rwanda Nziza