Africa’s Cynical Master of Power Politics

Paul Kagame, Rwanda’s president, is aiming to transform the nation through significant projects, including an airport complex in Bugesera, funded mainly by Qatar. He seeks to shift Rwanda’s image from its genocide past to a commercial and tourist hub, possibly even hosting Africa’s only Formula One circuit. This raises questions about his legacy amid ongoing power politics.

In Rwanda, the small district of Bugesera, located just 45 kilometers south of Kigali, is poised to become the crowning achievement of President Paul Kagame’s ambitions. Although the area currently appears quiet, Kagame envisions an airport complex financed mainly by Qatar. This project is part of his grand plan to transform Rwanda from the scene of a horrific genocide in 1994 to an emerging economic hub, often referred to as an African emirate.
As part of this transformation, Kagame aims to attract tourists, particularly those interested in observing the country’s famed mountain gorillas. Kagame’s vision does not end there. A Formula One enthusiast, he has also set his sights on hosting Africa’s only Formula One Grand Prix. Such ambitions reflect his desire to reshape Rwanda’s status on the continental and global stage.

President Paul Kagame is making strides to secure his legacy through ambitious projects like the Bugesera airport and a potential Formula One circuit. These initiatives signal a larger effort to redefine Rwanda’s image, shifting from a painful past marked by genocide to a modern destination for commerce and tourism. However, it remains to be seen if these grand plans will bear fruit or if they will further entangle Kagame in the complexities of power politics. While Kagame’s aspirations are lofty, the underlying question persists: Can ambition translate into sustainable legacy without inviting the sins of the past?

Original Source: www.economist.com