University of Rwanda in Huye has no power. It is in the darkness for nonpayment of electricity bills

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By Dr. David Himbara

Rwandan Comedy: Kagame Says He Will Not Beg From Donors In 2017

Right now as we speak, on January 17, 2017, the University of Rwanda in Huye has no power. It is in the darkness for nonpayment of electricity bills. But the ruler of the Singapore of Africa says he will not beg again ever – starting this year. Really?

In his speech at the January 2017 National Prayer Breakfast, President Paul Kagame described fellow African leaders at the just-concluded France-Africa Summit as pathetic. According to Kagame, fellow African leaders “were literally kneeling down [to the French leader] which turned my stomach. I reject that completely.”

Kagame then bombastically declared that “Rwanda will not beg in 2017.”

But there is a bit of problem.

Of the total budget of RWF 1.9 trillion or US$2.3 billion for 2016/2017, Kagame’s Rwanda is able to finance only 62 percent or US$1.42 billion.

Kagame is therefore short of US$900 million which in 2016/2017 is what foreign donors are providing in free grants and discounted loans.

So Kagame won’t beg in 2017? Really? He is one of the biggest beggars on the African continent. The difference between Kagame and other aid-recipients is that they are humble – while he suffers from delusional grandeur.

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For those interested in learning more about Rwanda budget 2016/2017, find it here: http://www.minecofin.gov.rw/fileadmin/templates/documents/Fiscal_Decentralisation_Unit/Budget_Citizen_Guide/2016-17/Budget_Booklet__Anglais__Web.pdf