General Background:
Sandwiched between the countries of DR Congo, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi, Rwanda, lies at the heart of the Mid-Africa region.
Often referred to as the ‘land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda, has a lush climate, fertile soils and is the most densely populated country in Africa. It is landlocked, poor in natural resources, with an economy predominated by subsistence agriculture. There are 10 million people living in Rwanda, with some 900,000 of those living in Kigali, the capital city. Kinyarwanda is the most common language, with French being the main language of education. Increasingly, English and KiSwahili are becoming more influential.
Rwanda is formerly a Belgian colony, with independence being gained in 1959. Thus began a turbulent period in Rwanda’s history, the ramifications of which are still felt today. As part of the model for colonial rule, as adopted by the Belgians (and many other colonial powers of the day), the Rwandese had their ethnic and tribal identity documented and fixed. As a result the vast majority of the population were classified as either Hutu or Tutsi. This policy served as a catalyst for nearly 50 years of civil strife that followed, with each group dominating at one time or another, and resulted in the genocide of 1994.
Sadly, the genocide that occurred in 1994 continues to haunt Rwanda. 800,000 people were massacred in 100 days, resulting in a literal decimation of the population. Reconciliation continues to be a national priority and one that the church is playing an active role in.
Mission in Rwanda: Challenges and Opportunities:
The aftermath of the genocide is the predominant context in which the local church finds itself working. It has become a “pillar of hope and reconciliation”[1] to the millions affected by the events of 1994 and is now active in encouraging forgiveness, evangelism, spiritual healing and social development.
CMS Ireland is partnered with the Diocese of Kibungo and has been involved in supporting the church to build a training centre and new office facilities as well as investing in youthwork, discipleship and poverty alleviation programmes.
Long-standing connections also exist with Gahini Diocese and the possibility of a new link is being explored with Shyogwe Diocese.
