To some he is visionary. To others he is an autocrat. Some find him controversial. Yet these are just some of the monikers used to describe the man who has presided over the transformation of Rwanda’s economy-Paul Kagame. A former guerrilla commander, Kagame is credited for bringing to end the horrors of the 1994 genocide and moving the country towards the healing and reconciliation that was needed beyond the conflict that had literally brought the entire country to a halt.

However the Kagame paradox is one of a leader who has driven undebatable economic, social, public health, and development gains but one whose reign has also been criticized for being heavy handed-if not totalitarian. The criticisms range from stifling opposing leaders, fostering regional tensions, and curtailing free press. On the other hand, the President’s plaudits praise his leadership style which they say has been responsible for the country’s turnaround. Many of them, who liken the president to a CEO, credit his focus on results, performance, and accountability as one of the key factors behind the country’s ongoing turnaround. Either way the leader seems to have made substantive contributions to the country’s ongoing transformation.

To some he is visionary. To others he is an autocrat. Some find him controversial. Yet these are just some of the monikers used to describe the man who has presided over the transformation of Rwanda’s economy-Paul Kagame. A former guerrilla commander, Kagame is credited for bringing to end the horrors of the 1994 genocide and moving the country towards the healing and reconciliation that was needed beyond the conflict that had literally brought the entire country to a halt.