I am reluctant to share this, but I am doing so in the hope that someone in Kigali in a position to make changes will take action and make changes.
My passion for all things Rwandan is legendary, and my commitment to the new Rwanda is un- questionable.
There can be no doubt Rwanda has made incredible progress in the last 20 years, and through this medium I have shared my thoughts on our journey since the Genocide against Tutsi in 1994. Ours is a story we must tell ourselves: the good, and the bad, and the resolve NOT to be defined by our sad and tortured history.
Last night I arrived in Kigali on RWANDA AIR, this pride of our nation, with my wife and daughter, both Burundi nationals. On the flight, I could not help but tell them of Rwanda’s amazing journey and vibrant economy. Coming from Burundi it was not difficult to toot my own horn. Considering where Rwanda has come from, surely, we should be allowed to embellish once in a while. But the proof of our development was there to see.
Barundi are not amused when you discuss Rwanda’s journey, for reasons best left to themselves. But it is hard to deny that Rwanda is far, far ahead of her neighbors. But that is a story for another day.
We disembarked and proceeded to clear immigration. My wife presented her Burundi ID, a flimsy looking but official government document issued by her government. She was cleared. It was my turn.
I presented my government issued INDANGAMUNTU with pride that I was coming home and expected a warm welcome. Instead, I was told, politely, that I could not enter Rwanda on this document without a Rwanda passport.
Yet, my wife was welcomed on a less impressive document than my INDANGAMUNTU, issued by the government of Rwanda, testimony that I am a Munyarwanda. This is stuff that is enough to make a grown man cry.
You should have seen the look on my wife’s and daughter’s faces. Almost contemptible, but mostly amused. I don’t think I will hear the end of this experience, teasing me about my pride in my country.
A year ago, we relocated from California to Texas. In the process of obtaining a new driver’s license, I was asked to show a second form of government ID. I showed my INDANGAMUNTU, and it was good enough, in Austin, Texas. But NOT good enough to let me enter the land of my forefathers.
What is wrong with this picture?
Not only was I forced to use my American passport, but I was also required to pay $30 for an entry visa, to enter the land of my birth. My wife, on a Burundian ID, entered my country without paying a penny.
Needless to say, I spent a sleepless night.
I may not be clear on the law, but this is a bitter experience that is annoying, yet not strong enough to shake my faith in the new Rwanda.
Why is crossing the border by car permitted using INDANGAMUNTU, yet not permitted at the airport?
What am I missing?
Somebody help me explain this to my Barundi in- laws. I may never hear the end of my being shamed at the airport, coming home.
Rest assured, I am Rwandan, and proud of it, and nothing and nobody, will lessen my resolve.
