Sweden’s development aid to Rwanda goes through various channels. Support for major reform programmes are complemented by direct co-operation with the civil society through non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and by cooperation between national universities in Rwanda and Sweden. In accordance with Sweden’s cooperation strategy for Rwanda, the aid is focused on four areas: democracy and human rights, economic development for the poorest, natural resources management and reserach cooperation.
Democracy and human rights
The democratic culture in Rwanda is weak. The country lacks an organized political opposition and the governing Rwanda Patriotic Front party has a strong grip on power. Politics is characterized by divisions of power and consensus decisions. Freedom of the press is limited and the desire to not open the wounds from the genocide is given as an excuse to justify censorship.
Sweden widely supports democracy and increased respect for human rights in Rwanda. The election commission has received Sida’s support to strengthen the culture of democracy and public participation and Sweden is one of the major donors to civil society organisationsworking to wreak accountability from politicians and other decision-makers. Other important contributions have focused on public financial management within public administration. Furthermore, Sweden will support Rwanda’s planned media reforms, aimed at increasing the freedom of speech in the country.
The post-genocide reconciliation work remains an important part of the general debate in Rwanda. Sweden supports several organizations that are working to create unity in a society where perpetrators and victims live side by side. Continued dialogue is required for those people affected so that they can move on. The Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace, an organization that Sida supports, is working to create national unity and to overcome ethnic dividing lines in the aftermath of the genocide. Families and groups from different sides of the conflict meet to discuss taboo subjects and build relationships for the future.
Economic development
Rwanda is experiencing major economic reforms. The current regime has identified economic development as the most important factor in the fight against poverty. Modernizing the agricultural sector will pave the way for Rwanda’s new economy together with investments in IT, the services sector and tourism.
The Swedish support is directed towards the poorest people in the society, as an extended social security allowance, channeled through and co-financed by Rwandese authorities. The programme offers grants, microcredits and paid community service for the poorest.
Natural resources
Rwanda is Africa’s most densely populated country, a fact that adds to the depletion of the country’s natural resources, constituting the livelihood for most of the population. Sweden supports the Rwandese authorities in their efforts to develop the management of natural resources. The major initiative in this area is the support to Africa’s most extensive land reform, where state-owned land is being privatized.
Research and Universities
Sida supports partners so that they better plan, produce and use research for development and economic growth. Sida’s intention is that Rwanda should be able to conduct their own research of international standard in areas that they have prioritized.
Each country has its own unique premises for development and economic growth thus it is central that the cooperation partner is able to generate and maintain expertise and knowledge in key areas.
Example of Sida's support through bilateral cooperation:
• Master- and PhD education in cooperation with Swedish and international partners
• Research councils
• Administrative reforms of universities
• Investments in infrastructure for example ICT, libraries and laboratories
Link to the Sida department for Research cooperation in Rwanda
Book tips:
- Rwanda conflict: its roots and regional implications / Dixon Kamukama
- A Thousand Hills: Rwanda's Rebirth and the Man Who Dreamed It / Stephen Kinzer
- Culture and Customs of Rwanda / Julius O. Adekunle
- The Strategy of Antelopes: Rwanda After the Genocide / Jean Hatzfeld
- We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda / Philip Gourevitch
