Rwandan MPs, Cabinet undergo the third degree

In few democracies would you see ministers and mayors grilled and held to account by citizens on national television and radio by citizens for two full days.

In fewer still would you find a Head of State putting himself before his or her citizens for a full four hours of live questioning.

What is perhaps more remarkable still is that in the past week both of these happened in a country critics claim lacks political freedom.

This was Umishyikirano, or National Dialogue, week in Rwanda. It is an annual, constitutionally mandated event unique to Rwanda.

It blends elements found in other political systems: A “state of the union address,” a national consultation, detailed scrutiny of policy.

Hundreds of Rwandans from villages and towns across the country gathered in the parliament building in Kigali; conspicuous in their midst were diplomats and development partners sporting simultaneous interpretation headphones. 

The leadership from all levels and political persuasions were challenged on problems that Rwandans face in their daily lives. 

In its seventh year, the role of Rwandan citizens in the process was stronger than ever. 

For the first time, any Rwandan was able to telephone in their concerns free of charge and have them answered live.

Quite literally, the voices of ordinary Rwandans were heard in the Parliament Chamber. 

In another new innovation, thousands of Rwandans sent SMS messages that were scrolled in real time on screens during the event for response by ministers and mayors.

Often, the exchanges in parliament were uncomfortable as leaders had to account for failures in front of the nation and under the keen scrutiny of President Paul Kagame. No-one knew which question or complaint was going to be raised.

In the week leading up to Umushyikirano, the senior leadership of the country took part in lengthy live radio debates where any Rwandan could SMS or telephone in their concerns.

This year’s Umushyikirano was broadcast live on radio and television and 16,000 mostly Rwandan Diaspora followed the proceedings on the Internet around the world.

Such open debate as occurred last week would have been unthinkable in the fragile nation of a dozen years ago.