MANY HAIL MAIDEN STATE VISIT BY PAUL KAGAME

THE maiden state visit that Rwandan President Paul Kagame made recently in Tanzania has won hearts and minds of a crosssection of people, including politicians, academicians and human rights groups - all describing the tiny but economically vibrant country as a role model.

Interviewed by the ‘Sunday News’ in Dar es Salaam yesterday, they all said that the visit by Rwandan leader would cement diplomatic ties and set a strong foundation for trade relations between the two countries.

They added that since Tanzania and Rwanda are developing countries, they need each other in terms of exchanging skills and learning how to properly utilise resources.

Senior University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Lecturer, Dr Benson Bana, said Rwanda has registered good performance in promoting education, fighting corruption, improving the living standards of ordinary citizens and reviving state-owned organisations.

He stressed that there was no need for Tanzanian or Rwandan leaders to travel to Western countries to learn something that could be easily be shared within the East African region. “I think we have got some good examples within our region.

RwandaAir, is one of the state-owned organisations that are performing very well. I think Tanzania could learn a lot in that area,” he pointed out. He added that since President John Magufuli has demonstrated a learning strategy in his leadership, it is obvious his government will make a positive step by learning from its neighbours.

The political scientist added that President Kagame’s visit has had both positive diplomatic and trade impact to both Kigali and Dar es Salaam since it has assured traders of the existence of political goodwill and good relations between the two countries.

Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) Executive Director, Dr Helen Kijo Bisimba, said Rwanda was among the top 10 out of 142 countries that have achieved much in closing the gender gap.

She said being close to Rwanda meant Tanzanian leaders and ordinary citizens can learn a lot on issues related to gender balance and equality.

Dr Bisimba, a human right activist, said President Kagame’s visit has cemented the good bilateral relations between Tanzania and Rwanda and that it would be easier for Tanzanians to establish businesses in Rwanda and vice-versa.

“It is obvious that President Kagame’s visit to Tanzania has opened door to both Tanzania and Rwandan traders. There is no doubt that the two countries are in good relations. Therefore, it is easier for other social and economic activities to prosper,” said Dr Bisimba.

Another political analyst, Mr Deus Kibamba, said he perceives President Kagame’s visit to Tanzania in a very positive way because development ties start by building up strong and reliable diplomatic relationships.

“President Kagame on Friday officially opened Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF). This is a big thing that sends a message that trade relations between Rwanda and Tanzania are more intact now than before.

Therefore, traders from both sides are invited to utilise the opportunity for the mutual development of our countries,” he observed. He said good diplomatic relationship sets a strong foundation for potential joint development programmes in future.

“Any joint development programme is an outcome of good relations; so we should expect more programme between Tanzania and Rwanda,” he commented.

An assistant lecturer at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Mr Paul Loisulie, said President Kagame’s trip to Tanzania was basically planned to establish good rapport for the two countries’ economic development.

“It is an undeniable fact that Tanzania is strategically placed in terms of geographical position and abundant resources. Therefore, President Kagame is aware of the impact of good relations between his country and Tanzania.

His focus is on a winwin situation business,” noted Mr Loisulie. He added that President Magufuli and President Kagame share some things in common such as aggressiveness on the fight against corruption and improving the lives of the people.

“One of the immediate benefits of his trip to his country Rwanda is the invitation of Rwanda experts to come to Tanzania to improve revenue collection systems. I think this is a way to go. We must learn from one another,” he observed.

President Kagame and his delegation arrived in the country on Friday for a two-day state visit. He pledged to assist the country with ICT experts, an area in which his country has made great strides.