Taking stock of Rwanda's decentralisation: changing local governance in a post-conflict environment. Issue 6 (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chemouni, Benjamin
• Is Part Of: Third world thematics. Volume 1:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 763
• Page End: 778
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: Rwanda -- decentralisation -- RPF -- instability -- reform sequencing -- local governance; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: Https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23802014.2016.1297207
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2379-9978

Abstract

Abstract: This article takes stock of Rwanda's decentralisation by reviewing the existing evidence and putting it into perspective with the wider literature on decentralisation. It challenges the narrative that depicts the Rwandan decentralisation as a wholly negative or destabilising process by arguing that the focus of the scholarship on lack of popular participation should not ignore key dynamics that had significant stabilising effects. Yet, as the Rwandan economy and society are becoming more diversified, introduction of bottom-up mechanisms of decision-making will be necessary in the future to enhance the government responsiveness to evolving local needs and ensure stability in the long run.