The role of Rwandan diaspora in the socio-economic transformation and reconciliation in Rwanda.

Abstract

Can Diasporas and its membership aid in renewing and rebuilding governance systems in countries emerging from conflict? Globally, conflicts are many and states are parting away untold sums of money for post-conflict recovery and rehabilitation of deliberated infrastructure and social systems. Thus, this research set out to provide the reader with a true picture of what the role of the diaspora especially those from Rwanda is and has been in Post-genocide reconstruction, reconciliation, and recovery with a particular focus on the above highlighted two distinct groups of Rwandan nationals. This study used a qualitative research method, 30 respondents participated in the study, Purposive sampling method was judged to be the best method given the fact that the researcher was interested in people who are part or were once in the diaspora, and those from institutions which interacts on daily basis. This study found out that indeed the diasporas contribute to the socio-economic transformation and reconciliation of the country in both positive and negative ways. On a positive side, the diasporas are involved in sending remittances, investing in the country, doing advocacy and lobbying in countries where they are, for policies which are favorable to the interests of Rwanda, to name a few. On the other hand, it was revealed that some elements within the diaspora and most especially those who are associated with the leadership of the former genocide government, were heavily involved in acts which are aimed at maligning the image of Rwanda. Finally, the study recommended that Rwanda needs to do more to tap into the vast resources possessed by the diaspora and it was also suggested that good-intentioned Rwandan both at home and abroad, should continue to do more in order to counter the negative information spread about the country.