War refers to an activity characterized by the persistence of violent conflict involving excess aggression, increased social disorder, and high incidences of mortality. It often occurs when different groups struggle to alter the social, political, or economic control and inequality sustained by either group from different ethnic, tribal, religious, or racial backgrounds (Sullivan 2008). Peace, on the other hand, exists in situations where there is no discord and characterized by the absence of fear, hostility, and violence from opposing groups. Various dimensions of conflict and peace, especially in developing nations, heavily influence the distribution of foreign aid from developed countries around the world (Anderson, 1999).
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Rwanda is amongst countries that have benefited from foreign aid, as the country is overcoming and relieving many severe problems resulting from the genocide in 1994. However, the benefits and disadvantages of foreign depend on the donor and recipient perceptions about the effects of foreign aid on developing countries. During the Rwanda genocide, warfare permeated the country as the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic communities clashed for power and influence in the landlocked country (Sullivan 2008). Increased warfare discouraged the supply of aid, in fact, the international community turned away as the country plunged into turmoil (Bellamy, 2015). However, the end of the genocide attracted foreign aid as many countries including America, Britain, Belgium, and Netherlands continued to contribute huge sums of money to assist the Rwandan economy.
Even though donors expect foreign aid to initiate social, political, and economic development in Rwanda, it is apparent there exists less political will to see its development plans to fruition. In its development plan, Rwanda seeks to become a mid-level income economy by 2020 (Ndahiro & Rwagatare, 2015). The country has recorded considerable growth since 1994 with growth rates maintained at least 6 percent of GDP per annum. In its foreign aid funded budget, the country has realized massive improvements in its services sector, and today, this sector surpasses the agricultural sector in its contribution to GDP (Ndahiro & Rwagatare, 2015). According to government data, inequality and poverty have declined, but an area where foreign aid has realized massive improvements in line with its MDG goals is in education and healthcare. Child maternity and maternal mortality have declined while Kagame has managed to offer complete primary education to Rwandans (Ndahiro & Rwagatare, 2015). Kagame is also highlighted for streamlining the civil service and eradicating various forms of corruption (Collier & Hoeffler, 2004).
Overall, the amount of foreign aid Rwanda has received since the 1994 genocide has not translated to desire levels of development the country has managed to realize 22 years after receiving huge sums of aid following the genocide. Foreign aid comes with conditions such as structural adjustment programs proposed to Sub-Saharan nations that forced them to privatize public companies, reduce military expenditures, and thin and streamline public administration (Collier & Hoeffler, 2004). Foreign aid has assisted in alleviating poverty together with other severe problems, but it has worsened the Rwandan crisis as the minority Tutsi is using foreign aid to restrict the economic advancement and development of majority Hutu.
Poverty in Rwanda remains a problem affecting large numbers of populations and cultures, as well as in other Sub-Saharan countries. It has led to intense debate amongst various stakeholders to agree on effective approaches to eradicating this problem. Even though foreign aid was adopted as a solution to this problem, questions arise about its efficiency and legitimacy in facilitating social and economic development and reducing poverty levels.
References
Anderson, M. B. (1999). Do no harm: How aid can support peace - or war. Boulder: Lynne
Rienner Publishers.
Bellamy, A. J. (2015). The responsibility to protect: A defense.
Collier, P., & Hoeffler, A. (2004). Aid, policy and growth in post-conflict societies. European
economic review, 48(5), 1125-1145.
Ndahiro, A. & Rwagatare, J. (2015). Rwanda: Rebuilding of a Nation. Fountain Publishers.
Sullivan A. (2008). Rwanda: a nation with a dark past and tenuous future. The McGill
Tribune, 4 mars.
