Although Rwanda has received global recognition for its vast improvement in recent years, its government’s claim to internal legitimacy remains relatively weak. This conclusion is based upon the evaluation of three main sources of internal legitimacy: the historical aspect, the personal credibility of a nation’s leader, and the government’s ability to gain social approval.
Like much of Africa, Rwanda has a long history of European colonization and monarchial rule.
This lasted until the formation of the independent Republic of Rwanda in 1962 (1). Since gaining independence, the country has experienced periods of instability and violence. Presidents have been deposed, assassinated, ousted, or forced to resign. Constitutions have been written, rewritten, and radically amended. …show more content…
Kagame was a leader of the rebel army that put an end to the 1994 genocide (2), and he has since worked tirelessly to rebuild his devastated country. The tall, thin war hero has gained widespread support throughout
Rwanda and abroad (2). He is a slow, deliberate speaker who inspires hope in the future of Rwanda.
During his presidency, Kagame has implemented ambitious plans to improve the economy, health, and safety of Rwandans (3). Despite all this, President Kagame feels threatened by opposition groups and independent critics (2). Targeted political arrests, disappearances, and killings have repeatedly occurred in Rwanda under his leadership (2). Kagame’s use of force to maintain control undermines his personal legitimacy as a leader.
There are two sides to today’s Rwanda. One portrays a very impressive government, while the other reveals an extremely suppressive government. Rwanda’s per capita income has doubled since
2000 (4). Rwanda is one of the least corrupt countries in its region of the world (5). Child mortality has been reduced by 70 percent, and Rwandan life expectancy has increased from 36 to 56 years
Like much of Africa, Rwanda has a long history of European colonization and monarchial rule.
This lasted until the formation of the independent Republic of Rwanda in 1962 (1). Since gaining independence, the country has experienced periods of instability and violence. Presidents have been deposed, assassinated, ousted, or forced to resign. Constitutions have been written, rewritten, and radically amended. …show more content…
Kagame was a leader of the rebel army that put an end to the 1994 genocide (2), and he has since worked tirelessly to rebuild his devastated country. The tall, thin war hero has gained widespread support throughout
Rwanda and abroad (2). He is a slow, deliberate speaker who inspires hope in the future of Rwanda.
During his presidency, Kagame has implemented ambitious plans to improve the economy, health, and safety of Rwandans (3). Despite all this, President Kagame feels threatened by opposition groups and independent critics (2). Targeted political arrests, disappearances, and killings have repeatedly occurred in Rwanda under his leadership (2). Kagame’s use of force to maintain control undermines his personal legitimacy as a leader.
There are two sides to today’s Rwanda. One portrays a very impressive government, while the other reveals an extremely suppressive government. Rwanda’s per capita income has doubled since
2000 (4). Rwanda is one of the least corrupt countries in its region of the world (5). Child mortality has been reduced by 70 percent, and Rwandan life expectancy has increased from 36 to 56 years