Citizen participation in governance processes is not just a right but also a responsibility. Thus, their involvement in decision-making processes is vital if the outcomes are to be responsive to their needs, owned, and sustained by the very people affected by decision-making.
It is in this respect that NAR and Interpeace (IP), supported by the European Union (EU), are implementing a two-years and a half project entitled ‘Enhancing and reinforcing Rwandan citizen participation in existing local government consultations processes and platforms.’
New Citizen Fora have been established in Karangazi, Nyagatare and Rwimiyaga Sectors in Nyagatare District, Gihango, Murunda and Manihira Sectors in Rutsiro District; Mukura, Huye and Kinazi Sectors in Huye District; Cyuve, Kinigi and Busogo Sectors in Musanze District, and lastly Gatsata, Rutunga and Bumbogo in Gasabo District. One of the expected project results is that “citizens actively organize themselves and communicate their needs in governance processes, existing consultation platforms and through media.
In the launch held in Kinigi sector of Musanze District, Head of Programs at NAR, Eric Mahoro, noted that “The Citizen Forum is going to supplement the already existing framework of governance. We encourage local leaders to endorse the Citizen Fora and support them because they are volunteering in the interests of all the citizens.”
It is In this regard that local leaders also highlighted their expectations of the newly established fora. The Executive Secretary of Mukura sector in Huye District noted that the Citizen Forum will help to understand issues within the community, stating that “we promise full cooperation; we will give you any and all support whenever the Citizen Forum will need it.”
Executive Secretary of Kinazi, Huye District, Uwamariya Jacqueline, also noted that “ You don’t have to wait for the end of the month to report; if you come across people abusing drugs you should report immediately and be ready to back up your reports especially on sensitive issues.”.
Director of Good Governance of Huye District, Jean Baptiste Mutabaruka in his remarks urged the new Citizen Forum to keep in mind that sometimes citizens may need to be asked the same questions using different approaches, and therefore to inform themselves on available opportunities and other factors that can facilitate their performance.
In the launch occasions, facilitators from the existing Citizen Fora have shared their testimonies. Isaac Ngendahimana from Muhoza Citizen Forum in Musanze District, highlighted that “We promote inclusive governance by discussing issues facing our community in a participatory manner; everyone contributes ideas during the meetings. We usually give priority to the most pressing issues and after discussing the causes, we discuss possible solutions. It is in the same meetings that we also decide whether a given issue requires advocacy on a higher level or can be solved by ourselves; we consult the local leaders to check if they have the same point of view on the decisions proposed by CF members.”