RWANDA'S FOUR PILLARS OF SUCCESS IN COVID-19 MANAGEMENT AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

Abstract

Managing the COVID-19 pandemic has been a complex task for governments all over the world.
This paper analyses the management of the pandemic in Rwanda as an example of good governance. The
study uses the UN's eight principles of good governance to scrutinize every decision and measure taken by the
Rwandan government in managing the pandemic. Rwanda, ranked 11th out of 54 African countries for good
governance in the 2020 Mo Ibrahim Index of Governance in Africa, has been successful in maintaining good
governance principles throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. The paper discusses testing and treatment of
COVID-19 patients, pre-pandemic preparedness, vaccination campaigns, and principles and characteristics of
good governance, such as transparency, accountability, rule of law, and effectiveness and efficiency. The
findings show that Rwanda has successfully contained the pandemic, with a case fatality rate of less than 1%,
a high percentage of recoveries, and effective vaccination campaigns. The Government's readiness to
accommodate various COVID-19 vaccine conditions has also supported these efforts. The paper concludes
that Rwanda's management of the pandemic could serve as a model for good governance for many other
countries.