As in many countries, propaganda is used by the Rwandan Government in many forms. The above video is one example showing a ceremony for the commissioning of new cadets into the RDF and Paul Kagame’s speech. The video itself is an effective tool of propaganda for a few reasons. First, for the government in general it is a show of strength in a time when Kagame has been increasingly targeted by international critics of his regime and with a small increase in dissent in Rwanda itself (https://www.dw.com/en/kagames-third-term-bid-draws-international-criticism/a-18900414). The RDF for Rwanda is a symbol of strength and it is closely linked to the government as a whole and Kagame himself (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17531055.2018.1418168?forwardService=showFullText&tokenAccess=tRsSJrk2G7jiqwRrckPu&tokenDomain=eprints&doi=10.1080%2F17531055.2018.1418168&doi=10.1080%2F17531055.2018.1418168&journalCode=rjea20). The military pomp of the video, the cadets in full regalia marching in unison highlight his power, showing if nothing he has this support and it is not insignificant.
Since his ascent to power, Kagame has often put forth an image of military strength, showing himself as a hero of the Rwandan Genocide, the man who helped to end the terror. He has always connected himself heavily to the Rwandan Defence Forces, the name of the Rwandan Army but also an offshoot of his own Political party, the Rwandan Patriotic Front, who helped end the genocide in 1994 (http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/services/cds/agreements/pdf/rwan1.pdf).
Additionally, it’s a reminder of the RDF’s, and Kagame’s, role in Rwanda’s peace. Multiple times, Kagame mentions the history of the RDF, solidifying in the eyes of the target audience their importance in the end of the Rwandan Genocide. He credits them with the continued peace in the nation, reminding the citizens to whom they should be grateful.
Finally, Kagame solidifies his and his party’s importance to Rwanda, by highlighting the RDF’s ties to the citizens. He emphasises the RDF’s role in bringing the country to “where it is today” and its role in furthering Rwanda’s development. The subtext is clear, without the RDF, without Kagame, Rwanda will never have made it this far, nor would it continue to develop successfully. His power is clear, but so is his benevolence. He is not just a powerful figure in the country, but a necessary one as is clear in the video.
However, in at least one arena, this propaganda as a tool is less effective. Putting the tweet on twitter means that though it has a potentially more widespread audience internationally (a fact helped by the subtitles in English), it could also limit viewing domestically. It will only be seen by those who have twitter accounts, which removes older populations and those in rural areas who may have less access to wifi. Furthermore, the nature of twitter itself means that it probably will not be seen du to overwhelming amount of content on the website every day. This is further confirmed by the interactions with the tweet, it was retweeted a total of 133 times with 486 likes. Though not insignificant and more than many of the other tweets on the account usually received, it still suggests a lower audience than desirable.
Works Cited:
- Kuehnel, J., & Wilén, N. (2018). Rwanda’s military as a people’s army: Heroes at home and abroad. Journal of Eastern African Studies, 12(1), 154–171. https://doi.org/10.1080/17531055.2018.1418168
- Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Rwanda and the Rwandese Patriotic Front. (1993, April 8). Ulster University: INCORE (International Conflict Research Institute). http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/services/cds/agreements/pdf/rwan1.pdf
Rwanda Reconsidered 