Rwanda’s language policy and multilingual system to be a reality there is need for better implementation strategies. Indeed for almost a decade, Mushikiwabo was the tireless minister towards shaping the Rwanda’s diplomacy and international cooperation. She leaves this powerful ministry at the time it was added the East African Community portfolio!
While strongly believing that in Rwanda today everything is possible and achievable looking at the way Honorable Mushikiwabo visited 23 countries in less than three months campaigning for this highly prestigious and indeed challenging job of OIF Secretary General which she smartly won, many lessons are to be learnt!
Though hard to understand how the France President Macron took the lead campaigning for a Rwandan candidate and his influence and weight behind an African candidate, thanks to the AU chairman and African leaders.
In 2017, following EALA’s adoption of Kiswahili as its official language, indeed responding to art 137 of the Treaty establishing our dear Community, Rwanda’s Organic Law no 02/2017OL of 20/4/2017 establishes Kiswahili as its 4th official language hence becoming the leading multilingual country in the region with four official languages.
The big challenge remains however the practical implementation of these four languages! My only hope and assurance is only based on the intervention and gesture from President Paul Kagame as he did for Mushikiwabo, show the way and only say “Hivi Kiswahili kinafika wapi jamani?”
Then the next day we shall come out from the cold and move towards kiswahili development and use not only in Rwanda, the EAC, but the AU as a whole!
We need it for our youth, women development, trade, communication etc… as our common denominator, African identity for sustainable development of our people and destiny.
Many dreams and expectations for that goal, may be my prayer will soon be heard! Mungu bariki Mheshimiwa Rais Kagame, bariki Rwanda, EAC, Africa, bariki Kiswahili kidumu!
Prof Pacifique Malonga, Acalan Kiswahili Commissioner.
Kapinga Brown
October 15, 2018 at 09:31
Bravo