Explaining Rwanda’s Strategic Position in the Continental System of Africa
Keywords:
strategy, security, Rwanda, continental system, Africa.Abstract
In recent decades, Rwanda has undergone a remarkable transformation—from a country engulfed in civil war and the 1994 genocide to one of the active players in the political and security landscape of the African continent. This transformation emerged under the leadership of Paul Kagame and his administration, a shift founded upon dynamic diplomacy, the reinforcement of governance institutions, and extensive participation in peacekeeping missions. This article, aiming to examine Rwanda’s strategic position within the continental structure of the African Union, seeks to answer the question of how the challenges and consequences of Rwanda’s presence in Africa’s continental system are assessed and what proposed strategies can strengthen its position. To achieve this objective, the study employs a descriptive–analytical method. The findings indicate that Rwanda’s strategic position in the continental system of Africa is a combination of three dimensions: active institutional engagement, a security and peace-building role, and regional economic presence. This combination has enabled Rwanda to act beyond its size and emerge as one of the reputable actors within the African Union. However, significant challenges also exist that, if overlooked, may jeopardize Rwanda’s achievements. Therefore, the results show that Rwanda’s future strategy must be sustainable, balanced, and transparent in order to preserve its current position.
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