Parliament and Interstate Relations Promotion

PARLIAMENT AND INTERSTATE RELATIONS PROMOTION:

A CASE STUDY OF THE RWANDA CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES

NSHIMIYIMANA JUSTIN

MIRD/0064/13

Research Project Submitted in Fulfillment for the Degree of Masters of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy of Mount Kenya University

MAY, 2018 DECLARATION

This research project is my personal work and has not been presented for a degree in any other university or for any other award.

Student’s name: Nshimiyimana Justin

Signature Date

I confirm that the work reported in this proposal was carried out by the candidate under my supervision.

Name: Anyama Charles (First Supervisor)

Signature Date

I confirm that the work reported in this proposal was carried out by the candidate under my supervision.

Name: Dr. Ngarambe Prudence (Second Supervisor)

Signature Date

DEDICATION

To my father, Mr.Mazimpaka Etienne and my mother Ms. Mukaniyibizi Judith, for their unwavering support throughout my life.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to my dear brother and sister for their moral support throughout my studies. My appreciation also goes to my supervisors Mr. Charles Anyama and Dr. Ngarambe Prudence for their guidance , as well as to all the respondents

ABSTRACT

On the eve of the current millennium the speakers and presiding officers of parliaments, meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York in September 2000, pledged their commitment to international cooperation. The principal objective of this study was to establish the role played by the chamber of deputies of the Rwandan parliament in the promotion of relations between Rwanda and other states .the interest of this study was to contribute to the academic subject of international relations and cooperation and therefore add on to the existing scientific knowledge .the research was conducted using a case study method. This method was chosen for this study because it aimed at assessing the role played by the chamber of deputies of Rwanda parliament in the promotion of relation between Rwanda and others countries. The research employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The researcher used the census where the sample size totaled 80 members of the chambers of deputies. the study employed questionnaires and interview guide as well as documentary review as tools and methods of data collection .for ethical considerations the researcher first obtained consent from respondent and has put in place all measures to ensure their confidentiality .the study revealed that the Rwandan chamber of deputies contribute to the promotion of relations between Rwanda and other countries with 100% of the respondent confirming that during the last 4 years this institution has passed some laws promoting interstate relations. With regards to issues regulated by the chamber of deputies , the study showed that international trade ,global warming ,peace and security ,bilateral cooperation ,multilateral cooperation ,and cyber-crimes are the most important issues addressed by those passed laws . International trade was favored by 85% of respondent, global warming by 29% of respondents, peace and security by 57% of respondent ,bilateral cooperation by 100% of respondents ,multilateral cooperation by 91% of respondents and cyber –crimes being supported by only 15% of respondents . The study revealed that alongside the chamber also ensured government accountability in matters related to international relations ,this was confirmed by 100% of respondents .overall with regards to the deputies satisfaction with on the collaboration with the government on international affairs 61% of respondents claimed to be very satisfied and 39% saying that they were satisfied with that collaboration .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ...... ii

DEDICATION ...... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... iv

ABSTRACT ...... v

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... vi

LISTS OF TABLES ...... x

LISTS OF FIGURES ...... xi

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS ...... xii

CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION ...... 1

1.0 Introduction ...... 1

1.1 Background of the study ...... 1

1.2 Statement of the problem ...... 2

1.3 Objectives of the study ...... 3

1.3.1. General objective...... 3

1.3.2 Specific objectives...... 3

1.4 Research questions ...... 4

1.5 Significance of the study ...... 4

1.6 Limitations of the study...... 4

1.7 Scope of the Study...... 5

1.7.1 Content scope ...... 5

1.7.2 Geographical scope ...... 5

1.7.3 Time scope ...... 5

1.8 Organization of the study ...... 5

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ...... 7

2.0 Introduction ...... 7

2.1 Theoretical literature ...... 7

2.1.1 Historical evolution of the parliament ...... 7

2.1.2 Parliament in Rwanda ...... 8

2.1.3 The parliamentary role in states foreign affairs ...... 10

2.1.4 Parliamentary actions vis-à-vis the domestication of international legal instruments ..... 11

2.2 Empirical literature ...... 12

2.2.1 Parliamentary role in law- making process ...... 12

2.2.2 Parliamentary control of government accountability ...... 13

2.2.3 Parliamentary diplomacy activities ...... 14

2.3 Critical review and research gap identification ...... 16

2.4 Theoretical frameworks...... 17

2.4.1 Neoliberalism ...... 17

2.4.2 Institutional neoliberation ...... 18

2.5 Conceptual framework ...... 19

2.6. Summary ...... 20

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...... 21

3.0 Introduction ...... 21

3.1 Research design ...... 21

3.2 Target population ...... 21

3.3 Sample deign ...... 22

3.3.1 Sample size ...... 22

3.3.2 Sampling techniques ...... 22

3.4 Data collection methods ...... 22

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3.4.1 Data collection instruments ...... 22

3.4.2 Administration of data collection instrument ...... 23

3.4.3 Reliability and validity ...... 24

3.5 Data analysis procedures ...... 24

3.5.1 Editing ...... 24

3.5.2 Coding ...... 24

3.6 Ethical considerations ...... 24

CHAPTER FOUR: RESAEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION ...... 26

4.0 Introduction ...... 26

4.1 Demographic characteristics of Respondents ...... 26

4.1.1 Age group of respondents ...... 26

4.1.2 Gender of the Respondents ...... 27

4.1.3 Parliamentary Experience of the Respondents ...... 28

4.2 The Role of Parliament and Interstate Relations Promotion ...... 28

4.2.1 Passing laws promoting interstates relations ...... 29

4.2.2 Initiation of laws promoting interstates relation ...... 31

4.2.3 Key issues addressed by laws promoting interstate relations ...... 32

4.2.4 Ensuring government accountability in international relations...... 33

4.2.5 Ways of ensuring government accountability in interstate relations ...... 34

4.2.6 Satisfaction on the collaboration with the government on international affairs ...... 35

4.3 Interstate relations promotion through parliamentary diplomacy ...... 35

4.3.1 Deputies understanding of parliamentary diplomacy ...... 36

4.3.2 Promotion of interstate relation through parliamentary diplomacy ...... 37

4.3.3 Activities of parliamentary diplomacy vis-à-vis of interstate relations ...... 38

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CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 40

5.0 Introduction ...... 40

5.1 Summary of Findings ...... 40

5.1.1 Passing Laws Promoting Interstate Relations ...... 40

5.1.2 Insuring Government Accountability in International Relation ...... 40

5.1.3 Interstate Relations Promotion through parliamentary diplomacy ...... 41

5.2 Conclusion ...... 41

5.3 Recommendations ...... 42

5.3.1 To the government ...... 42

5.3.2 To the Chamber of deputies ...... 42

5.3.3 To Inter- parliamentary organizations ...... 43

5.4 Suggestions for Further Studies ...... 43

REFERENCES ...... 44

APPENDICES ...... 47

APPENDIX I: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN ...... 48

APPENDIX II: INTRODUCTORY LETTER...... 49

APPENDIX III: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR ALL DEPUTIES ...... 50

APPENDIX IV: INTERVIEW GUIDE ...... 54

LISTS OF TABLES

Table 3.1: Categories of respondents ...... 21

Table 4.1: Age group of Respondents...... 26

Table 4.2: Service Exponents ...... 28

Table 4.3: Existence of laws promoting interstate relations ...... 29

Table4.4: Regular Initiator of laws promoting Interstate...... 31

Table 4.5 : Ensuring government accountability in international relation...... 33

Table 4.6: Satisfaction on the collaboration with government on international affairs ...... 35

Table 4.7: Promotion of interstate relation parliamentary diplomacy ...... 37

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1.: Conceptual framework ...... 19

Figure 4.1: Gender of Respondents ...... 27

Figure4.2: Key issues addressed by laws promoting interstate relations...... 32

Figure 4.3: Ways of ensuring government accountability in interstate relations promotion ...... 34

Figure 4.4: Deputies; understanding of parliamentary diplomacy ...... 36

Figure 4.5: Frequent parliamentary diplomacy activities ...... 38

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS

ACCORD: African centre for the constructive resolution of disputes

ACP : African Caribbean and pacific

CEDW : Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

CRC : Convention on the right of child

EALA : East African Legislative Assembly

E.U : European Union

IPU : Inter Parliamentary Union

MDGs : Millennium development goals

NCD : National Council for Development

PAP : Pan African Parliament

UN : United Nations

US : United States

VCLT : Vienna convention on the law of treaties

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OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

Bilateral relations between countries often refer to political, economic, cultural and historic ties. Strong bilateral relations are characterized by cooperation between institutions and persons at administrative and political level as well as in the private sector, academia and civil society. Other elements of bilateral relations include trade and investment, cultural exchange, as well as general knowledge, understanding and public awareness about the other country and the ties existing between them.

Chamber of deputies refers to a name given to a legislative body such as the lower house of a bicameral legislature, or can refer to a unicameral legislature.

Complex interdependence: Complex Interdependence is defined as an economic transnational ‘s concept that assumes that state are not the only important actors, social welfare issues share center stage with security issues on the global agenda, and cooperation is as dominant a characteristic of international politics as conflict.

Internationalism: The principle of cooperating among nations for the promotion of their common good.

Interstates relations are understood as those authoritative actions, understandings, or commitments of the governmental authorities –the leaders– of one state to or with the governmental authorities of another state or its groups or citizens, either bilaterally or through international organizations

Parliamentary diplomacy: Parliamentary diplomacy refers to the means by which two or more parliaments conduct an ongoing dialogue with regard to key international issues.

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CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

This first chapter presented the background of the problem followed by the statement. The discussion also contained the motivation for this work. It then presented the research questions; the purpose and the limitations of this study, and it ended by showing the significance of the study and ultimately gives the scope as well as the organization of the study.

1.1 Background of the study

From the antiquity city – states and later on nations have interacted with others even when long distances separated them. such interstate relations grew and became well structured with decades and centuries to the extends that since 20th century they constituted an area of scholarly study. One of the subject of the study of international relations today is the examination of actors of international relations on both the internal and external levels .

Parliament in its modern sense took shape in England under the reign of King Edward I. in fact, after further development of this representative body the kingdom earned the title of mother of parliaments. From Britain the institution spread to the rest of the western world and through centuries it came to have legislative functions, but also became involved in other state business

(Habberton, 1958)

Studying the involvement of parliament in interstates relations has always been a complex issue, though many researchers have always reduced this action on the role of parliament in foreign policy formulation. According to Karabarbounis (1998), this falls within the field of research of experts in constitutional la and international affairs, who study the relevant provisions of the constitution and above all the limits within which the competent organs of state can make binding commitment on behalf of the country.

However, a kin examination of parliamentary activities shows that contributing to the drafting of nations’ foreign policies is not the only way used by parliament to play certain roles in the promotion of interstates’ relations. Traditionally foreign affairs and international relations matters were monopolized by the executive power through the ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agents including ambassadors and councils. Those were among many other instruments employed to build and promote relations between states (Hallunaj, 2005).

However, today there is a widely acknowledged increasing role of parliament and their involvement in foreign affairs and international relations issues. For instance, today parliaments represent various issues related to their current place in foreign issues. Such prerogatives give the parliament an important power in the process of diplomacy or foreign affairs. It is in this regard that at the outset of the 21st century, leaders of parliament met in New York in September 2000 on the millennium assembly to pledge their commitment to international cooperation. At this occasion they resolved to ensure that the institutions they represent are instruments of peoples’ voices in the decision making spheres at international level (IPU, 2000).

In 2004 the Pan African Parliament held its first session. The idea of this institution had seen the day with the 1991 treaty signed in Abuja, Nigeria. The collective commitment that led to the creation of this institution was to avail an economic integration platform that could remedy different hindrances to African development (Tsegaye, 2004).

In Rwanda, the constitution of 2003 vests the “legislative power” into a Bicameral Parliament comprising a Chamber of Deputies and a Senate (article 62). According to this same article, the mission of the parliament is to deliberate on and pass laws, but also to oversee the executive action in respect to the constitutional procedures. The passing of laws being the key activity of the Parliament. However, among its many other core functions, the Chamber of deputies promotes “parliamentary diplomacy” and entertains “inter-parliamentary relations”.

1.2 Statement of the problem

For many decades political scientists have been examining the exact role of parliament in the political system. Though there is a wrong assumption widely known that parliament are governmental bodies in charge of voting laws only ,deep examination of parliament functions

2 have made it clear that these representative bodies do also play other important roles in states ‘ business. A number of scholarly works have been conducted on Rwandan parliament since its establishment. Many of these works have concentrated on the organization and the functioning of this institution mainly at the internal level. For instance, in 2005 Dusabe studied “The relations between the legislative and executive powers in Rwanda (1995 -2000) whereas in 2007 Nshimiyimana wrote on “The organization and functioning of the legislative power in Rwanda (1995-2005). These two studies among others focused on the work of Rwandan parliament on a strictly internal or simply national scene, leaving a gap on its outside oriented activities. the problem of this study was to examine I current representative form of Rwandan government allows the parliament to take on legal actions aiming the promotion of relationships between Rwanda and other countries through constitutional mechanisms .

1.3 Objectives of the study 1.3.1. General objective

The general objective of this study was to establish the role played by the chamber of deputies of the Rwandan parliament in the promotion between Rwanda and others.

1.3.2 Specific objectives This study aimed to:

i. Analyze the laws passed by the Parliament of Rwanda (chamber of deputies ) aiming to promote interstates relations between 2008 and 2017; ii. Assess the means through which the chamber of deputies ensures government accountability in international relations; iii. Evaluate activities carried out by the Rwandan chamber of deputies for parliamentary diplomacy.

1.4 Research questions

Examining the place of parliament in Rwanda political system particularly raises some questions related to the contribution of this institution in promoting relationships between Rwanda and other countries. In this study the formulated questions in order to tackle the started problem were the following:

i. Which bills aiming to promote interstates relations were passed by the Rwandan chamber of deputies between 2008 and 2017? ii. Through what mechanisms does the chamber of deputies ensure government accountability in international relations? iii. What are the different activities carried out by the Rwandan chamber of deputies for parliamentary diplomacy?

1.5 Significance of the study

The present study had its interest which is to contribute to the academic subject of international relations and cooperation and therefore it will enrich the scientific knowledge. This work will also help in orienting other researchers who may be interested in such institutional studies.

Outside the academic area, this study will illuminate several of international relations both in the parliament and other governmental instances by proving theoretical knowledge on the role to be played by parliament in the promotions of interstate relations. it will also be used by future researchers when seeking for secondary data in the field.

The general public may also need to use the findings of this work in acquiring knowledge on how relations between Rwanda and other countries are promoted by various state actors.

1.6 Limitations of the study

The major limitation to this study was tight and busy schedule of the respondents that made it difficult for the research to get desired information in expected time. To overcome this challenge, the researcher until the respondent gave the necessary information for the completion of the study.

1.7 Scope of the Study 1.7.1 Content scope

This study focused on the role of the Rwandan parliament in the promotion of interstates relations. This is because many people know and think that it is only the executive power which deals with foreign affairs. This study covered generalities on parliament functions and examination of the role of parliaments in the promotion of relations between states.

1.7.2 Geographical scope

The research was carried on the Rwandan territory . the researcher collected the data needed for this work from the Rwandan parliament in general and members of the chamber of deputies in particular .

1.7.3 Time scope

This study covered the period between the year 2013 and year 2017. The year 2013 marks the beginning of the third legislature of 5 years under the 2003 constitution, whereas 2017 was retained as that of primary data collection.

1.8 Organization of the study

This research project is subdivided into five chapters. The first chapter gives the background of the study before stating its problem and presenting the objectives and questions of the research. Chapter two provides a review of related literature ti the study through an examination of past studies done from a global point down to the local situation by identifying the existing gap, and thereafter embark on the description of the theoretical and conceptual framework of the study, and then conclude with a summary highlight the key issues raised and reviewed facts. Chapter three concentrates on issues related to the methodology to be used during the conduct of this study, as well as methods to be used by the researcher during the collection of data. Chapter four presents and discusses the findings of the research, and chapter five provides the summary, the

5 conclusion and closes with recommendations to various institutions, organizations and individuals.

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the available literature on the research topics under discussion. It also presents the gaps in the literature, the theoretical and conceptual framework.

2.1 Theoretical literature

2.1.1 Historical evolution of the parliament

The traces of popular representative bodies go back to the years of antiquity. In fact, scholars (mainly historians) of political institution have described ancient Greek city-states of Sparta and Athens as the very first to institute bodies representing the general population in decision making instances (Nemanja, 2009). However, though it is clear that legislative assemblies have existed in some parts of the world for so many years, this function is today housed in national parliaments which are to some extent very different from the ancient popular assemblies.

Anglo-Saxon origins of the parliament

The modern British parliament traces its origins from the “witan “and the “Moots” two characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon government between the 700s and the 1000s. The older could only be called by the King to discuss matters of the nation’s interests. It usually came into existence when the sovereign decided so and only he could decide who could participate. It could advise the King but in most cases attendants only consented with what he had decided. However, Anglo-Saxon kings realized that they could not govern their territories without local support from these powerful men. Reason why, after some years they started to all the establishment of smaller but permanent inner council of advisers and officials through which they could exercise their power. Later on, the king would even call on additional court favorites (nobles) and church clergymen to gain their approval of his decisions, especially regarding taxation (Seaward, 2015). This larger group of specifically chosen advisors took the name of “Great Council” and it formed the basis for the today House of Lords. On their side, local lords met regularly in the “moot” to discuss local matters. In these meetings differends were also heard to be addressed. The moot

7 brought together local personalities and ended up taking the name of “County Court”. Ultimately the Great Council and the County Court would combine to constitute a Parliament. Parliament comes from “Parliamentum”, meaning the conversation or discussion place (Bond, 1966).

From the above element it can be concluded that the period of origins was over. in fact , many historians say that the first real parliament –things that we might recognize today as such, with representatives of local communities – happened in the 13th century in reference to the important parliament of 1265 called by Simon de Montfort or 1295, called by Edward I ( Seaward ,2015).

The growth and consolidation of the parliament

The period from Simon De Montfort to today saw rapid changes which were followed by some stabilization or absorption of new elements.

The changes came through the day-to-day running of activities into the houses of parliament. Concretely, between the years 1332 and 1377 each house had acquired its own head and own staff. During that span of time discussion, legislation based on taxation became occupied important time of parliamentarians, and only representatives of the commons could allow the king to levy taxes from the commons (Bond, 1966).

In 1425, due to changes within the House of Lords, the British parliament had both a representative Lower House and a heredity Upper House. In 1689 the parliament enacted the Bill of Rights” that on its turn marked the beginning of a period of consolidation of powers in the country (Seaword, 2015)

Today parliaments are widely known as national representative bodies having supreme legislative power within the states and have been adopted in almost all world countries despite the French origin of the term “parliament”.

2.1.2 Parliament in Rwanda

For many years, the word “parlement” referred to a legislative council, congress or conference. It evoked a formal process of deliberation by which the community made collective decisions

8 concerning the issues of concern. In pre-colonial Africa, particularly, terms like “Council of Elders” or “Council of Wise” and such, were commonly used to describe bodies which performed such duties. However, it was mainly during the colonial period that modern parliament took shape in many African countries. For instance in British colonies such as the Gold Coast, Nigeria, Kenya, etc, natives were gathered bodies known as “Legislative Councils” (LEGCO) mainly after World War One (Okoth, 2006).

In Rwanda the legislative body came into existence on January 28, 1961 when, during the so- called, “coup d’Etat of Gitarama”, was formed a legislative assembly composed of 44 members. However, the very first popular elected assembly came as a result of the September 28, 1961 legislative elections. This legislative body was presided over by Joseph Gitera while his Vice President was Lazare Mpakaniye (Lugan, 1997).

It is worth noting that the above mentioned legislative elections were coupled with a referendum which consecrated the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.

The newly elected Legislative Assembly was installed on October 2, 1961 in Kigali with Mr. Amandin Rugira as president. One of its major acts was to elect the new president of the Republic, Grégoire Kayibanda on October 26 of the same year, as stipulated by the constitution edited and adopted during the meeting of Gitarama (Harroy, 1984). Since its establishment the Rwandan Legislative Assembly functioned through the fulfillment of the three main parliamentary missions: voting laws, voting the national budget, and government oversight. The year 1973 marked a turning point in the history of political institutions of Rwanda. In fact after only almost 12 years of existence, the National Assembly was dissolved by the “Message à la Nation” (Message to the Nation) of July 5, 1973’s ‘communiqué issued by the “Garde Nationale” (National Guard) proclaiming a regime change through a coup d’Etat led by Major General Juvénal Habyarimana (Lugan, 1997).

As Lugan (1997) explained, the military coup d’Etat of 1973 created a Committee for Peace and National Unity. In 1975 this organ was transformed into a political party known as MRND, while the constitution of 1978 attributed the legislative power to a new organ known as CND, meaning “Conseil National de Développement” ( National Council for Development) made up not by deputies but by “Les délégués du people” simply meaning “People’s delegates”. The year 1991 constituted another turning point in the political life of Rwanda, mainly with the

9 promulgation of a new constition which, in its 7th article, institutionalized a multiparty regime. With this constitution the legislative power was to be exercised by the “Assemblée Nationale” (National Assembly) made up of Members of Parliament;while the “Arusha Peace Accords” signed on August 4,1993 called this legislative body the “Assamblée Nationale de Transition” (Transitional National Assembly); which unfortunatery was never installed due to the political situation that climaxed into the tragic Tutsi genocide of April-July 1994 in Rwanda.

The 1994 genocide provoked a dislocation of institutional order which resulted into an institutional vacuum. It was only in June 1995 that a “Fundamental Law” reorganized political institutions of Rwanda. This sort of a constitution established a Transitional National Assembly which had to run the legislative power since November 25th of 1994.

On May 26, 2003 a constitutional referendum was held in Rwanda and led to the promulgation of a new constitution on June 4, 2003. In contrast with all the previous constitutional texts of Rwanda, this first constitution of the post-genocide period institutionalized in its 62th article a “Bicameral Parliament” made up by a Chamber of Deputies and a Senate. The first Rwandan bicameral parliament was elected in September 2003, the second in September 2008, while the third and the current is the result of September 2013 parliamentary elections.

2.1.3 The parliamentary role in states foreign affairs

The last years have shown how Parliaments have extended their intervention in the foreign affairs. In fact during the last recent decades, issues related to this field have often been debated over in parliamentary spheres. In addition, parliamentary delegations are more and more becoming active in regional, continental as well as international parliamentary assemblies of which their countries have membership.

During the antiquity, in Greek city-states, the role of envoys in foreign countries was decided by the city’s assembly, where opinions on the implementation of policies vis-à-vis another state were transparently debated. Once the delegate of the city reached his destination he made a public statement in the local assembly to share the messages of his mission (Hamilton & Langhorne, 2011). Later the monarchs took the monopoly handling the relations with foreign partners. As wrote Batora Jozef, cited by Bajtay (2015), with the rise of an international order

10 based on nation states, the scant focus on public scrutiny became a systemic prerogative of diplomacy and a major institutionalized element in the conduct of a state’s foreign policy.The period after the Cold War also led to the advent of new actors such as parliaments emerged to meet to the requirements the drastically evolving international environment (Skjoldager, 2011)

Parliamentary diplomacy condenses the tasks and activities of National Assemblies as much as foreign relations are concerned. When it comes to the analysis of the role of parliaments, an examination of its institutional competence is done but sometimes a broader political role of this institution in the implementation and the formulation of a country’s foreign policy can be minutely analyzed. This means that there are two levels of analysis, the legal level and the political level. In case these two levels are combined the framework of parliamentary diplomacy can be easily discerned (Noulas, 2011).

The nature of the political regime in certain countries can also determine the extent to which the parliament can play its roles in interstate relations depending on the democratic or despotic nature of the government. However, national interests will always be determinant in the ways nations will interact with others (Noulas, 2011). Finally, according to the author, the intervention and involvement of Parliaments in foreign policy issues occurs at two levels, the institutional one (through the legislative process, under parliament control, and under the broader political role) and at the one (bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, in meetings)

2.1.4 Parliamentary actions vis-à-vis the domestication of international legal instruments

Starting with the “Peace of Westphalia” (1648), it is doubtless that today treaties constitute an essential vehicle for organizing international cooperation and coordination. They are the primary source for international legal commitments. Simply put, a facility with treaties has become an indispensable part of the job description for all those who work in the fields of international law or international relations (Duncan, 2012).

The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) articulated means by which international treaties can be applied in different States by well defining notions of treaty signature, ratification, acceptance, approval and/or accession. Then each country has to determine domestication procedures for those treaties to be their respective legal systems (Adede, 2001).

Treaties therefore can become part of a separate legal system and consequently cannot from part of domestic law until an “act of transformation” is done. Most country members of the commonwealth organization often proceed in such a way. Kenya may for example, begin discharging its obligations at the international plane (reporting requirements) under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) or under the Convention on the elimination of all forms of Discrimination of Women (CEDW) both of which it has ratified, but cannot at the same time, give effect to the rights based on these Conventions domestically because it has not yet “domesticated’ them! This does not seem to be a desirable. Other treaties however may become directly domestically applicable in a State that has given its consent to be bound by such treaties. (Adede, 2001). A kin observation shows that in this last approach, the process of making a treaty involves a domestic involvement that requires an approval by the parliament as a pre-condition for a state to pronounce its consent to be bound.

From the above, it is worth it to underline the determinant role of national parliaments during their cooperation process with other parliaments. This was stressed by the resolution adopted by Chair persons of parliaments in 2005. The rule of law, enforcement of international norms, monitoring of international negotiations among many others must be added to the traditional inter-parliamentary cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy as a means of affirming the place to be held by parliaments in the promotion of interstate relations. Parliaments can therefore ratify treaties, organize meetings on cooperation, establish friendship committees on particular agendas and so on (Hallunaj, 2006).

2.2 Empirical literature

2.2.1 Parliamentary role in law- making process

While studying the legislative bodies in the law-making process among E.U members in 2014, Bogdanovskaia observed that process of legislation is set in the manner that deputies are given the opportunity to debate over the details and provisions of a bill throughout the whole process which generally starts with the bill introduction. This can be done by the parliamentarians (it is the case in England, Canada, Belgium, Germany and France) or by the chambers entirely (as it is done in Spain). Head of states, groups of people, or committees can also initiate bills. In bicameral parliaments however, it is up to the second chamber to start the process. Once adopted

12 by the parliaments, bills are, in general, sent to the head of state’s offices for promulgation after being signed.

The heads of state can utilize his right of veto once the constitutionality of the bills is questioned, and sometimes a referendum can be organized for the adoption of the bill by the masses. The author argues that the law-making process begins out of the legislative bodies. A bill passes a long way and is changed several times before introducing into the legislative body. However, Bogdanovskaia in her arguments falls short of clearly explaining the role played by parliaments in the formulation of laws especially those related to the promotion of interstates ‘relations. She portrays a parliament strictly dealing with internal affairs.

In his study carried out in Nigeria, pine (2009) rightly noted resolution of international parliamentary bodies particularly the IPU influenced the domestication of a number of treaties during the fourth and the fifth national assembly. Treaties such as the child Right Act of 2003, and the trafficking in people’s prohibition Act 2004 which also established the National Agency for the prohibition of trafficking in persons (NAPTIP), an agency saddled with the responsibility to implement the Act were domesticated. Similarly, the optional protocol to the convention on the Elimination of discrimination against Women (OP-CEDAW),2004; Convention against transnational organized crimes; and protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons especially Women and children, 2001;Rome statute of the international criminal court,2001;convention on the prevention and combating of terrorism,2002 were also domesticated. These treaties not only improved social and legal rights of women and children in Nigeria, but peace and security and regional integration in west African in particular and African in general.

2.2.2 Parliamentary control of government accountability

In 2007 Rahman carried out a study on study Parliament and Accountability with a focus on the role of parliamentary oversight committees in Sri Lanka. In this study, he holds that being accountable is fundamental for good governance and makes governments be responsible for their actions. In a democratic regime, parliaments represent the people and the government regardless of whichever political system is accountable to the parliament. The government itself consists of

13 political executive and administrative executive. The government itself consists of political executive and administrative executive. The administrative executive is accountable to the political executive, which in turn is accountable to the parliament. These twin themes of accountability constitute government accountability. There are various types of accountability but these ones are intertwined and depend on one another. Political, bureaucratic, legal and managerial accountability are the major taxonomy. These four types of accountability have overlapping boundaries too. Likewise, accountability has several aspects: financial accountability, transparency, responsiveness, regularity, participation, empowerment, decentralization, combating corruption, etc.

In this same study, Rahman (2017) remarks that an efficient parliament to a strong committee system and vice versa and strong committee system is a prerequisite to call the government into irrespective of whether the political system is parliamentary or presidential. Parliament as an institution can be analyzed from two point of view: context and internal arrangement. In analyzing parliamentary committees, a critical context is parliaments themselves. A strong parliament is believed to fare better to hold the government to account. Parliament cannot be insulated from the effects of wider social, economic and political contexts and that in a democracy the functioning of other key institutions. Factors that is relevant in determining parliamentary strength to hold the accountable can be sorted out. Parliament committees, which are generally conceived to be the most significant internal instrument of legislature, can be analyzed to work out the factors that help determine the strength of committees to hold the government accountable. By focusing on the contextual political-institutional arrangements of committees, the study strives to explore the factors that help determine the strength of committees which in turn can evaluate their capacity to hold the government accountable.

2.2.3 Parliamentary diplomacy activities

In his study conducted in Zimbabwe in 2016, Mudyanadzo writes that parliamentary diplomacy was defined as the means through which parliaments progressively conduct dialogues on the most sensitive international issues. He added that most attempts to define parliamentary diplomacy accept and recognize the role of parliaments in state relations. Through parliamentary diplomacy national parliaments discuss issue on best practices ranging from political, economic,

14 social and cultural aspects. The author stress that the 21stcentury international relations system is governed by multi-track diplomacy involving a plethora of players ranging from state to non state actors. The prominence of new forms of diplomacy, transition diplomacy and global governance diplomacy among the management of state relations by other players than state players. Traditionally, diplomacy had been an area reserved for the executive and specialists designed as diplomats but this has since changed leading to greater involvement by other actors traditionally marginalized by the executive.

The current shifting trends in diplomatic practice have resulted in almost every parliament in the world being actively involved in parliamentary diplomacy. Generally, parliamentary diplomacy is said to be aimed at developing national parliaments into being more effective and responsive institutions in matters to do with legislative scrutiny, oversight and representative roles which happen to be key constitutional roles of parliament in a true parliamentary democracy. Parliamentary diplomacy is also a useful instrument for promoting bilateral and multilateral friendships and co-operation among like-minded national parliaments and parliamentary institutions. Attempts to resolve differences among states can also be pursued through parliamentary diplomacy as a way of testing waters and complementing the traditional diplomacy by the executive.

In a different study conducted by Salim In 2010 in Nigeria, he noted that in sub-regional security, the active participation of Nigeria’s National in region parliamentary organizations like ECOWAS parliament, CSWAP,PAP etc. contributed significantly to peace and security in Africa particularly in the west African sub-region. At the 3rd conference of peace of speakers of West African parliaments, for example, for reaching resolutions were adopted towards ending the devastating intra-state armed conflicts in the West African Sub-region. The CSWAP resolutions include the observance of moratorium on the manufacture, distribution and circulation of small arms in the sub-region as a means of preventing local and sub-regional armed conflicts; call on the heads of states of Guinea, Sierra Leone to converse a summit as a matter of extreme urgency and in the interest of suffering humanity, with the primary aims of finding an effectively negotiated strategy for ending the conflicts; agreement to send an inter-parliamentary Good Auspices Mission to Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia with the objective of helping to restore a

15 climate of confidence among the three heads of states of states of the Mano River Union Community.

2.3 Critical review and research gap identification

As institutions elected by the peoples to represent them, parliaments must have a say when it comes to settle sensitive issues of foreign policies that would impact the lives of the peoples. Ways through which the parliaments act in this framework constitute one of the definitions of parliamentary diplomacy (Bajtay, 2015).

As Posdorf (2008) noted, parliament members from different countries do have many ways of collaborating. Those ways may include meetings of one or more parliamentary groups, meetings of parliamentary assemblies. There are opportunities among parliaments to contribute for peace building efforts, to cement friendly relations among peoples, to enforce democratic rules, and even to pave the way for rule of law and fight against abuses of human rights.

Rwanda established its first parliament in 1961, and since 1976 it became a member of the African parliamentary Union, which was to be a forum for discussions and debate on the encouragement of peace initiatives, democracy enforcement, and strive for durable development through good governance. From that time on then the country has had an organ playing the role of such institution though with different names in different periods of her history. In the post Tutsi genocide period, the National assembly, as it was called until the year 2003, this organ had to play a role her own in the rebuilding of the nation in all domains. The year 2003saw the emergence of a bicameral parliament through the promulgation of the new constitution that led to the election of Deputies and Senators. Within the Chamber of Deputies a special committee in charge of issues related to foreign affairs, cooperation and security was to be responsible for issues relating to international relations, relations and cooperation with other parliaments, loan and grant agreements between Rwanda and foreign countries or international organizations, matters regarding the international agreements signed by Rwanda, declaration and cessation of war among many others. Today Rwanda is an active member of the PAP (Pan African Parliament), the (EALA) East African Legislative Assembly, and IPU (Inter Parliamentary Union).

Despite the above, no study has been carried out to examine the role played by the Rwandan parliament, especially its chamber of Deputies, in the promotion of interstates relations and cooperation. In fact, most of the studies undertaken on the legislative power In Rwanda have focused on both the organization and functioning of one or the chamber of the parliament. To cite some, in 2005, Dusabe presented a work “The relations between the legislative and executive powers in Rwanda (1995-2000)” whereas in 2007, Nshimiyimana wrote on “The organization and functioning of the legislative power in Rwanda (1995-2005)”. Therefore, the present study aims at filling that gap and unveiling the mechanisms used and role played by the Rwanda Chamber of Deputies in the promotion of between Rwanda and other countries.

2.4 Theoretical frameworks

2.4.1 Neoliberalism

Moravcsik (1992) wrote that in theories of international relations there is an assumption that ways in which states behave reflect their respective preferences. For instance, the liberal theory analyses international relations first and foremost in regard with what are the preferences of those concerned states. Those preferences can be conflicting or convergent, and this is what determines whether they will go for cooperation or enter a conflict. The theoretical framework set forth in this work presents neoliberalism as a scientific theory of international relation which seeks to explain how states manage to achieve gains though cooperation.

Same authors write that “neoliberalism” constitutes a resurgence of “liberalism”. This tendency suggests that liberalism, as a political ideology, has gone through a period of agony from political discussions and policy making and only reemerged recently. According to Saad-filho &Johnston (2005), the current age is that of neoliberalism. For these authors power and wealth are more present within multinational corporations and elite (Venugopal, 2015). However, in the field of international relations, this theory has been used to explain why stated do or do not cooperate. Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye (1984), who do not deny the anarchic nature of international system, argue that cooperation can come up the building of criterions, rules as well as institutions of sovereign states. The two authors championed neoliberalism theory by

17 establishing a consistent theoretical groundwork for political analysis of interconnection in nowadays’ world politics (Colebourne, 2012)

2.4.2 Institutional neoliberation

In further works neoliberalists stressed the importance of institutions in the promotion of interstate relations through cooperation. This attempt led to the emergence of what is often called “institutional neoberalism” in the study of international relations. Robert Keohane ( 1988) wrote that discrepancies in global politics bring to bear considerable effect on the way governments behave in specific situations of cooperation and disharmony can be grasped only in the context of institution that facilitate in the explanation of the interpretation and significance of actions posed by a state. The author argued that existing arrangements are determinant in the determination of whether a state is going to negotiate and implement what it will commit itself to. This will depend on the attitudes of other involved states as well as their compliance to those same commitments.

Basing on what is stated above we can agree with most neoliberal institutionalists who argue that the aptitude of countries to communicate and/or cooperate is built on established institutions, which vary in time and over issues , in nature and in strength, wrote Aggarwal as cited in Robert Keohane (1988). The “Institutionalist” theory alleges that communal economic interests forge a “harmony of interests” among states which in then provoke a need for international institutions and rules that states deliberately decide to pursue.

National parliaments and organizations as well as institutions to which they belong are ,as it can be deduced from the above theories , therefore legitimate actors of interstate relations promotion through cooperation and other legal mechanism.

2.5 Conceptual framework Independent variable Dependent variable

Parliamentary role Interstates relations promotion i. Formulation of laws i. Trade ii. Ensuring ii. Peace and accountability of security the government iii. Funding and iii. Control of public aid expenditure iv. Ratification of treaties v. Parliamentary diplomacy

Intervening variables

i. Government ii. None –state actors

Figure 2.1.: Conceptual framework Source: Researcher

For many years of the contemporary world foreign affairs of states and international relations issues were monopolized by the executive branches of various nations as head of states ,ministers ,ambassadors and others forms of diplomacy were considered as the exclusive instruments to promote and develop the international relations between states . However starting with the second half of the 20th century there is a widely acknowledged growing parliamentary participation in foreign affairs and international relations issues of their respective countries. Reason why at the beginning of the current millennium members of these representative bodies pledge their commitment to international cooperation by resolving that parliaments will devote more to that cooperation through advocacy for the peoples and making the international arena more democratic.

Now than ever international cooperation demands different working methods and the involvement of new actors. It is in dynamic that national parliament are called upon to provide a parliament dimension to cooperation. Concretely parliaments can further interstates promotion through constitutional mechanisms such as ratifications, information gathering, parliamentary diplomacy as well as through other legal practices.

2.6. Summary

This chapter gives the literature as it relates to the role of parliament in the promotion of interstates relations, scholarly views and opinions of various authors have been studied and critiqued to expose the gaps that support the study. This chapter also provides a theoretical frame work which focuses on theories (neoliberalism and institutional neoliberalism) that argues the importance of cooperation in the field of international relations. Finally, a conceptual framework has also been constructed to simplify the understanding of relations between the variables under the study.

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter successively presents the target population, methods and techniques for data collection research design, how data will be analyzed and provides the reliability and validity of the study.

3.1 Research design

This research was studied using a case study. This design was be suitable for the role played by chamber of Deputies of Rwandan parliament in the promotion of relation between Rwanda and other countries.

The researcher used both descriptive and analytical designs as for ensuring facts related to the parliamentary role in the promotion of interstate relation are accurately described and analyzed in older to get reliable information for relevant conclusions. Both quantitative and qualitative data were considered and the researcher based on the views of respondents to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

3.2 Target population

The target population for this study included 80 members of chambers of deputies and 8 parliamentarians who are members of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security.

Table 3.1: Categories of respondents Table 3. 1 : Categories of respondents

Category of respondents Frequency Members of the chamber of deputies 72

Parliamentarians members of the committee on Foreign affairs, cooperation and peace 8

Total 80 Parliament, 2017

3.3 Sample deign

3.3.1 Sample size

The sample size for this study was made up by 80 people, counting 72 deputies and 8 parliamentarians on board of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Peace within the chamber of the Rwanda parliament.

3.3.2 Sampling techniques

The sample techniques used in this study included a survey and purposive sampling where respondents were from Rwandan parliamentarians. The earlier was chosen since the target population is not that big and the researcher found it wise to survey it as a means of maximizing the chances of collecting as much information as possible, whereas the latter was used on deputies who are members of the committee on foreign affairs cooperation and security. These respondents were deemed to be able to provide relevant and detailed information for his study.

3.4 Data collection methods

3.4.1 Data collection instruments

To carry out this work the researcher used various instruments while collecting data. These instruments include questionnaires, interview guide and documentary.

3.4.1.1 Questionnaire

The researcher were used a self administrated questionnaires to collect primary data from respondent .the questionnaire was structured to specifically conform to the objectives of the study and provide answers to research questions. The research questionnaires were distributed to the 80 members of the chamber of deputies of Rwanda parliament to fill them. The choice of questionnaires is justified by the fact that the researcher is sure that the respondent are in position to answer the questionnaire and have the necessary knowledge and skills to do so.

3.4.1.2 Interview

Faces to interviews were carried out with the 8 deputies’ members of the committee of foreign policy, cooperation and peace. The people were subjected to the interview for the mastering of issues related to international relations and their daily following up on them on behalf of the whole chamber. In general interview is referred to as a bid to collect dependable and credible information in form of rhetorical feedback from one or more respondents. The interviews questions were designed in a way that more specific answers would be obtained. These helped the researcher to capture information not provided by the questionnaires as well as respondents views. This method was preferred because it is flexible and makes it able when it comes to providing new ideas on the research topic.

3.4.1.3 Documentary review

It was used because the researcher had to review various existing documents in regard to the role played by the deputies in the promotion of the interstate relations. The researcher also reviewed documents serving as evidence of parliamentary activities vis-à- vis the parliamentary role in interstates relations. The main secondary sources include Rwandan laws, government policy papers, publications, articles, parliament reports, newspaper press releases as well as internet sources. Such secondary data was used to back up primary information.

3.4.2 Administration of data collection instrument

After the defense and approval of the research proposal, the researcher received a letter of introduction from the university to enable him to proceed to the field. After ascertaining the reliability of the instrument, the researcher himself then proceeded to administer the questionnaires to the 80 sampled respondents mainly at their work place but sometimes at any other indicated venue also.

3.4.3 Reliability and validity

In order to check reliability and validity the researcher undertook a pre-test on his classmates and other well informed people. This was conducted with a small number of respondents where after corrections were made. The researcher also undertook interview corroboration to ensure validity.

3.5 Data analysis procedures

The questionnaire were administered systematically and organized in a manner that facilitated the analysis. Thereafter, data from completed questionnaires were edited categorized and coded quantitatively, the researcher summarized data using descriptive statistics like percentages and frequencies which enabled him to meaningfully describe the score. Results of the study were generated when analysis was done. Filed notes were organized and synthesized at this point. Data were summarized and reduced so they provide necessary information for description.

3.5.1 Editing

This involved correcting errors which had come up in the process of data collection. This was done to ensure accuracy, consistency and uniformity. Efforts were made by the researcher to reduce errors that could appear during the course of the research.

3.5.2 Coding

Coding in this study was done after gathering data so as to summarize the collection by classifying it into discussions, various texts, journals and unstructured interview and analysis of documents and materials.

3.6 Ethical considerations

In carrying out this study the confidentiality was maintained and informed consent was obtained from respondents. In concrete, the securing of the anonymity of the informants was an important part of protecting the privacy of the people the researcher got information from. Therefore names

24 of informants were not mentioned moreover, information obtained from interview and questionnaires was sorted on themes rather than persons. The researcher sought and respected informed consent from all respondents. In this regard, the researcher made it clear about the goal of the study, which gained accounts of meaning, experiences and understandings from informants which was relevant for the research topic and only for academic purposes.

CHAPTER FOUR: RESAEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

4.0 Introduction

This chapter discusses the research finding obtained from different variables for this study. The finding of the study are respectively presented and discussed under three different sections. The first section starts with a presentations’ bio- data, the second section examines parliamentary activities carried out in interstate relations promotion, whereas the third and last section examines Rwanda’s chamber of deputies’ parliamentary diplomacy.

4.1 Demographic characteristics of Respondents

This segment presents the respondents’ bio –data including data on age, gender, serving experience in the parliamentary and parliamentary committee of belonging. This data was analyzed and is present in table form.

4.1.1 Age group of respondents

Table 4.1: Age intervals of Respondents Age group Frequency Percentage

20-30 1 1

31-40 8 10

41-50 32 41

51-60 23 29

61-+ 15 19

Total 79 99

Source: Primary data

From the data obtained, only 1respondent was aged between 20 and 30 , representing 1%; 8 respondents were aged between 31 and 40, representing 10% ;32 respondents were aged between 41 and 50 representing 41%;23 respondents were aged between 51 and 60 ,representing 29% and 15 respondents were aged of 61 and above representing 19%.

4.1.2 Gender of the Respondents

Gender 60

50 48 40

30 31 Number 20

0 Female Male

Figure 4.1: Gender of Respondents Source: Primary data

Data obtained from respondents and presented in figure 4.1 shows that 48 of the respondents were female, representing 61%whereas 31respondents were male and representing 39%.Both female and male respondents represented, it was beneficial to this study since it allowed the research to collect data obtained from both genders.

4.1.3 Parliamentary Experience of the Respondents

Table 4.2: Service Experience Service Experience (Years) Frequency Percentage

[1 - 4] 39 49

[5 - 9] 29 37

[10 - 14] 10 13

[15 - 19] 1 1

TOTAL 79 100

Source: Primary data

Table 4.2 shows that 39 respondents representing 49% of all respondents had served between 1 and 4 years, whereas 29 representing 37% had served for 5 to 9 years; 10 respondents equivalent to 13% had served for 10 to 14 years, and only 1 respondents representing 1% had served for more than 15 years as member of parliament in the chamber of deputies. This data clearly shows that all the respondents were reliable for various information that they provided in regard with the role played by the Rwanda chamber of deputies in the promotion of interstate relations for the last four years of the current legislature.

4.2 The Role of Parliament and Interstate Relations Promotion

This section presents data on laws passed by the chamber of deputies aiming to promote interstates relations between Rwanda and other countries and on the mechanisms used by this chamber in to ensure government accountability in international relations.

4.2.1 Passing laws promoting interstates relations

The research asked to the respondents if there are some laws passed by the Rwandan chamber of deputies during the last 4 years related to the promotion of interstate relations, and the collected data on were the following:

Table 4.3: Existence of laws promoting interstate relations Service Experience (Years) Frequency Percentage

[1 - 4] 39 49

[5 - 9] 29 37

[10 - 14] 10 13

[15 - 19] 1 1

TOTAL 79 100

Source: Primary data

The above table shows that 79 surveyed persons, representing 100%, confirm that during the last 4 years the chamber of deputies has passed some laws promotion the relation Rwanda and other countries. None of the respondents answered that there are no laws promoting interstates relations between Rwanda and other countries were passed in the last 4years. This shows that the parliament of Rwanda, through its chamber of deputies is playing a certain role in this area. It also asserts that this institution is contribution to the development of the countries and the improvement of its population’s welfare by allowing it to benefit from different opportunities created by such relations.

Some of the most recent laws promoting interstate relations mentioned by the respondents include the following:

Laws No 24/2017 of 31/ 05 /2017 approving the ratification of the agreement signed in Kigali, Rwanda on 19octomber 2016, between the Republic of Rwanda and the kingdom of Morocco, for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention evasion with respect to taxes on income;

Laws No39/2016 of 27/09/ 2016 authorizing the ratification of the loan Agreement signed in Beijing, china on 29july 2016, between the Republic of Rwanda and the Export-import Bank of china, relating to the loan of four hundred and eighty eight million Yuan($ 488,000,000) for Kigali urban road upgrading project;

Laws No 03/2014 of 26/3/2014 authorizing the ratification of the financing agreement signed in Kigali, Rwanda on 30 December 2013, between the Republic of Rwanda and the international development association( IDA),relating to the credit of twenty million eight hundred thousand special drawing rights (SDR 22,800,000) for the land husbandry, water harvesting, and hillside irrigation project;

Laws No 04/2014 of 26/ 03/2016 authorizing ratification of the financing agreement signed in Kigali, Rwanda on 03 February 2014, between the Republic of Rwanda and the international agricultural development find (IFAD) and the adaptation for stallholder agricultural programmed trust Fund (ASAP),relating to the IFAD loan of eight million seven hundred seventy thousand special drawing right (8,770,000) and the ASAP grant of four million five hundred ten thousand special drawing rights (SDR4,510,000);

Laws 05/2014 of 26/03/2014 authorizing the ratification of the loan agreement No 1554P signed in Vienna, Austria, on 29 January 2014, between the Republic of Rwanda and the OPEC fund for international development (OFID),relating to the loan of twelve million American dollars (USD 12,000,000) for the Huye – Kitabi road rehabilitation project; and

Laws No 11/2014 of 07/05/2014 authorizing of the Eat African community protocol on peace and security, signed in Dar Es salaam, Tanzania on 15/02/2013.

From the above mentioned laws it is clear that the chamber of deputies contributed to the promotion of relations between Rwanda and other countries in various areas ranging from international trade to peace and security though infrastructures, agriculture, and finances. Such laws are important for a country because they establish legal channel through which Rwandans can trade with other nations with the purpose of improving living conditions and contribute to the development of the country in general.

4.2.2 Initiation of laws promoting interstates relation

Table4.4: Regular Initiator of laws promoting Interstate

Regular initiator Number of Respondents Percentage

Parliament 16 20%

Government 63 80%

Total 79 100%

Source: primary

Data obtained from the respondents on the regular initiator of laws promoting interstate relations shows that 16 respondents representing 20% state that it is the parliament, while 63 respondents representing 80% state that it is the government. Therefore, it is clear that the government spearheads the promotion of relation between Rwanda and other countries but often needs the parliament for the legitimization of its different initiatives in that framework.

The importance of the governmental predominance in the initiation of laws promoting interstate relation is that once implementation phases start, they do not come across some executive resistance. The government will facilitate and even encourage the population to comply with established legal instruments. This kind of relation ends up creating the harmony of interests among countries.

4.2.3 Key issues addressed by laws promoting interstate relations

Figure4.2: Key issues addressed by laws promoting interstate relations Source: primary data

About the key issues addressed by laws promoting interstate relation between Rwanda and other countries, it was noted that 67 respondents mentioned international trade, 23 respondents mentioned global warming, 45 respondents mentioned peace and security, 79 respondents mentioned bilateral cooperation,72 respondents mentioned bilateral cooperation and 12 mentioned cyber-crimes. It was also revealed that most ratification done by the chamber of deputies were related to loan agreements with particular countries or with international organizations aiming to support development efforts of Rwanda in different sectors. However, in an interview on respondent member of the committee of internati8onal affairs, cooperation and security stressed the importance played by Rwandan deputies through the activities of the regional forum of parliamentarians known as AMANI forum. Through this they visited parliaments of other country members in the framework of peace consolidation initiatives, added the interviewee.

The bilateral and multilateral cooperation that were respectively mentioned by 79 hand 72 deputies as most issues addressed by promulgated laws aimed at bringing Rwanda and other countries closer ,and thus lead to the promotion of interstate relations .This show the possibility for the parliament as an institution to allow cooperation among states. International trade also was among the most addressed issues .In fact ,67 deputies argued that laws related to this issue were passed by the chamber of deputies .Such laws establish transnational norms and structures that regulate economic relation between states. The laws are chiefly to be regarded as arrangements allowing the country to pursue its national internal interests and maximize its relative gains compared to others especially while negotiating an international agreement that has to be eventually transformed into a law. One the developed countries, Rwandan deputies also stated that are subjected to legislation so as to allow the country to prevent rather than wait for the healing time.

4.2.4 Ensuring government accountability in international relations

Table 4.5: Ensuring government accountability in international relation Answer Frequency Percentage

Agree 79 100

Disagree 0 0

Total 79 100

Source: Primary data

This table points out that 79 respondents representing 100% agreed that the chamber of deputies ensures government accountability relations. One of the respondents disagreed, which shows that though the government is the regular initiator of laws promoting interstate relation ,the parliament continuously monitors of ratified agreements and holds the government accountable in that regard. This highlights the fact that the chamber of deputies ensures the outcomes of laws passed benefit the right people in line with their objects.

4.2.5 Ways of ensuring government accountability in interstate relations

90 80 70 60 50 40 79 79 30 20 10 0 0 Hearing sessions Requesting information Special committees

Frequency

Figure 4.3: Ways of ensuring government accountability in interstate relations promotion Source: Primary data

It can be observed from figure 4.3 respondents representing 100%stated that hearing the chamber of ensures government accountability in interstate relation promotion through both hearing session and special committees on various issues related to the promotion of relation between Rwanda and other countries. However, none of the respondents stated that this was done through requesting information from government official. It can be therefore argued that no single mechanism is the only way of ensuring government accountability in this regard.

In an interview, one well informed respondent said that there is no permanent channel of information exchanging between the chamber of deputies and ministry of foreign affairs. However, hearing session that were frequently held with government officials, the deputies were unanimously satisfied with the explanation that were provided to them.

4.2.6 Satisfaction on the collaboration with the government on international affairs

Table 4.6: Satisfaction on the collaboration with government on international affairs Satisfaction weight Frequency Percentage

Very satisfied [≥ 90 %] 48 61

Satisfied [60-89%] 31 39

Dissatisfied [59-50%] 0 0

Very dissatisfied [≤40%] 0 0

Total 79 100

Source: Primary data

Table 4.5 show that 48 respondents expressed that they were very satisfied with the collaboration with the government on international affairs ,31 were satisfied and none of them was dissatisfied or very dissatisfied .This reveals that in general Rwandan deputies are satisfied with the way they collaborate with the government when it comes to work hard in hand for the promotion of relation between Rwanda and other countries for in general interests of the countries and their respective population. This also demonstrates that Rwandan deputies approve different initiatives of the governments related to the promotion of interstate relation with regard to create opportunities leading to the development of the country. In this regard though, an interviewee member of the committee of international affairs, cooperation and revealed that there is no joint committee between the chamber of deputies and the ministry of foreign affairs on international matters.

4.3 Interstate relations promotion through parliamentary diplomacy

This section presents activities carried out by the Rwanda chamber of deputies in the promotion of interstates relations.

4.3.1 Deputies understanding of parliamentary diplomacy

0 Satisfactory

2 Good

53 Very good

24 Excellent

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Frequency

Figure 4.4: Deputies; understanding of parliamentary diplomacy Source: Primary data

It can be noted from figure4.4 that 24 respondents representing 30% stated that they have an excellent understanding of the concept “parliamentary diplomacy”, 53 respondents representing 67%s said their understanding of that concept is very good and 2 respondents representing 3%noted that they have a good understanding of parliamentary diplomacy .None of the respondent stated that he/she has a satisfactory understanding of concept. Overall, it is clear that all the respondents know what parliamentary diplomacy is and therefore they can take advantage of this knowledge and use it as important tool to promote the relation between Rwanda and other countries through different parliamentary diplomacy activities engaged with their peers from other countries.

4.3.2 Promotion of interstate relation through parliamentary diplomacy

Respondents were asked to say if yes or no chamber of often promotes relations between Rwanda and other countries through parliamentary diplomacy, and their answer were as follows:

Table 4.7: Promotion of interstate relation parliamentary diplomacy Answer Frequency Percentage

Yes 79 100

No 0 0

Total 79 100

Source: Primary data

The table 4.6 indicates that 79 respondents stated the chamber of deputies of Rwanda parliament often promotes relations between Rwanda and other countries through parliamentary diplomacy. This represents 100% of the respondents. It shows that deputies in Rwanda parliament were using parliamentary diplomacy to promote the relation between Rwanda and other countries in different areas. Contrary to passing laws which most of them were initiated by the government, they use this parliamentary exclusive opportunity to play a significant role in creating good lasting relation between Rwanda and other countries on one hand, and between Rwanda and some international organization on the other hand.

An interviewee told the researcher that parliamentary has played a determinant role in the promotion between Rwanda and other countries, especially through visits foreign parliamentarians. Such visits helped very much in changing the image of Rwanda especially during the critical period of the post 1994 genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi.

4.3.3 Activities of parliamentary diplomacy vis-à-vis of interstate relations

Frequent parliamentary diplomacy activities

Frequency

79 66 79 70 75

Figure 4.5: Frequent parliamentary diplomacy activities Source: Primary data

Figure 4.5 shows that sending deputies on parliamentary missions in foreign countries, receiving parliamentary delegation and foreign dignitaries on visits in Rwanda, participation in international Parliamentary Union meetings and other events creation bilateral closeness groups with parliaments of other countries, and establishments of multilateral parliamentary organization and forums ,among others are the main activities through which the Rwandan chamber of deputies conducts parliamentary diplomacy. Overall, at least 66 respondents representing 84% have stated these activities as the most conducted by the parliament. It has also been noted that these opportunities allow Rwandan parliamentarians to promote relations between Rwanda and other countries in the framework of improving the welfare of the welfare

38 of their respective countries and other types of integration. The other common through which parliamentary diplomacy promoted interstate relations mentioned by respondents is to send parliamentarians in regional and continental legislative bodies, namely the East African Legislative Assembly and the Pan-African Parliament.

In an interview it was stressed by one respondent that at each occasion of receiving foreign dignitaries on visits in Rwanda, it has been a good opportunity for parliamentarians of both countries to identify various areas where the two countries could collaborate and strengthen friendly relationships among the two countries. Parliamentary missions and participation in parliamentary organizations were frequently used to strengthen relations between Rwanda and other countries on one side, and Rwanda and state members of various regional, continental and intercontinental parliamentary organizations on the other side.

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the summary of the date that has been presented, analyzed and interpreted in the proceeding chapter. It also makes conclusion of the study based on the objectives. Finally, it highlights the recommendations of the study.

5.1 Summary of Findings

The study was conducted to assess the role of the Rwandan chamber of deputies in the promotion of interstate relations. The summary of the study was based on various findings that were drawn from the specific objectives identified below:

5.1.1 Passing Laws Promoting Interstate Relations

The study revealed that the Rwandan chamber of deputies’ countries with 100% of the respondents confirming that during the last 4 years this institution has passed some laws promoting interstate relations. However, it was noted by 80%of respondents that most of those laws were initiated by the government.

With regards to issues regulated by chamber of deputies, the study showed that international trade, global warming, peace and security, bilateral, cooperation, multilateral cooperative, and cyber –crimes are the most important issues addressed by those passed by those passed laws. International trade was favored by 85% of respondents, bilateral cooperation by 100% of respondents, multilateral cooperation by 91% of respondents, and cyber –crimes being supported by only 15% of respondents.

5.1.2 Insuring Government Accountability in International Relation

The study revealed that alongside the legislative role played by the chamber of deputies in the promotion of interstate relations, the chamber also ensured government accountability in matters

40 related to international relations. This was confirmed by 100% of respondent .It was noted that this was frequently done through hearing sessions organized with the chamber of deputies. These two mechanisms were confirmed by 100% 0f respondents to the often used in this framework. Overall, with regards to the deputies’ satisfaction with on the collaboration with the government on international affairs, 61% of respondents claimed to be very satisfied and 39% saying that they were satisfied with that collaboration.

5.1.3 Interstate Relations Promotion through parliamentary diplomacy

The study showed that 30% of respondents had an excellent understanding of the concept of parliamentary diplomacy whereas 67% and 3% respectively stated very good and good understanding of that concept. In this regard 100% of the respondents confirmed that the chamber of deputies promoted interstate relations through parliamentary diplomacy. Overall, 100% of respondents stated that it was done through sending deputies on parliamentary missions in foreign countries and participation in parliamentary organizations’ 95% of respondents mentioned that it was done through hosting meetings and conferences of inter – parliamentary organizations and forums;89% of respondents stated that it was done through the creation of bilateral parliamentary closeness groups with of other nations, and 84% of respondents stated that it was done through receiving parliamentary delegations and foreign dignitaries on visits in Rwanda.

5.2 Conclusion

The study revealed that the Rwanda chamber of deputies play in vital role in promoting relation between Rwanda and other countries. The study also revealed that this role is materialized through passing laws aiming to establish and strengthen interstate relation in the areas of international trade, and peace and security, infrastructures construction and rehabilitation, agriculture modernization, and prevention of fiscal evasion. This demonstrated that though the executive power spearheaded the conduct of Rwanda’s relations with other countries power particularly the chamber of deputies also contributed to that by the conduct of parliamentary was also an important actor of the promotion of relations between Rwanda and other countries in various and ways.

5.3 Recommendations

Based on different findings of the study, the researcher made the following recommendation to various actors of international relations:

5.3.1 To the government

The study revealed that new realities of international relation and cooperation provide room for parliaments of different countries to play a more pronounced role in the conduct of these relations and thus allow the voice of their respective people to be heard by national and international policy and decisions makers. Therefore the government of Rwanda needs to equipment the chamber of deputies with the necessary tools especially those of information and communication technology that help them to cope with the chamber in the 21st century diplomacy.

There is need for the government of Rwanda to reassess the role parliament can play and assign its members well defined role so as to avoid duplication of activities and at times redundancy.

The government should facilitate the creation of a mutual committee between the chamber of deputies and the ministry of foreign to establish direct channels of communication between the two institutions.

5.3.2 To the Chamber of deputies

The study revealed that interstate relation is no longer the monopoly of state actors since many non state actors are increasingly playing an active role in international relations and diplomacy. There is need for Rwanda chamber of deputies to work with the new non state actors like the inter-parliamentary organization to boost multilateral cooperation in various areas.

Considering that Rwanda is among African leading countries in ICT, it is recommended that Rwanda chamber of deputies embraces the use of technology to speed up the spread of information related to its activities with regard to interstate relations promotion.

5.3.3 To Inter- parliamentary organizations

The study revealed that the duties and actions of National Assemblies in the foreign area are compressed into the concept of parliamentary diplomacy. Therefore, various parliamentary organizations are recommended to use their platform to urge governments to allow their respective parliaments to play their roles to considerable extent especially in the promotion of relations between states.

5.4 Suggestions for Further Studies

Based on the findings of the study, a suggestion is made to institutions and other independent researchers to conduct similar research on diplomatic missions and the promotion of relations between states to fill the gaps that may not have been filled by this study.

There is need for research on the role of parliaments in times of war and crises involving their respective countries.

There is need for research on the utility of parliaments in the making up of national foreign policies of their countries.

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX I: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

APPENDIX II: INTRODUCTORY LETTER

APPENDIX III: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR ALL DEPUTIES

Dear Respondent(s),

I am NSHIMIYIMANA Justin, a student pursuing a Master’s Degree program in International Relations and Diplomacy at Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus. I am conducting a research on the following topic: “PARLIAMENT AND INTERSTATE RELATIONS PROMOTION: A CASE STUDY OF THE RWANDA CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES (2013- 2016)”. I kindly request your cooperation by providing important information for this study by filling this questionnaire. I hereby assure you that all provided information will be confidentially treated and only used for academic purposes.

Thank you.

Instructions to all Respondents

Please tick in the box or fill in the blank space provided after each question.

SECTION A: IDENTIFICATION OF THE RESPONDENT

Age (1) 30-40 [ ]; (2) 41-50 [ ]; (3) 51-60 [ ]; 61+ [ ]

Gender (1) Female [ ]; (2) Male [ ]

Experience in chamber of deputies (i.e years of service as parliamentarian):

[1 – 4]; [5 – 9]; [10 – 14]; [15 – 19]

SECTION B: QUESTIONS

Establish the key bills passed by the Parliament of Rwanda (chamber of deputies) aiming to promote interstates relations:

Are there some laws passed by the Rwandan chamber of deputies during the last 4 years related to the promotion of interstates relations?

Yes

2. Which institution has regularly been initiating bills on matters of international concern? a. The government b. The parliament

3. What are the key issues addressed by those bills? (Choose from the following list)

a. International trade

b. Global warming

c. International peace and security

d. Bilateral cooperation

e. Multilateral cooperation

f. Cyber-crimes

4. Can you mention some of the most recent bills passed by the chamber of deputies to promote relations between Rwanda and other countries?

......

Describe how the Rwandan parliament ensures government accountability in international relations:

5. A) Does the Rwandan chamber of deputies ensure government accountability in international relations?

Agree

Disagree

B) How?

By organizing hearing sessions with government representatives (ministers)

By requesting intelligence / information (including confidential information) from the government on foreign policy

Through the endowment of special committees, joint committees or subcommittees tasked to monitor a specific international matter or the work of a particular international organization

6. How would you rate your satisfaction on the collaboration between the government and the parliament on international affairs?

Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

(≥ 90%) (60 – 89%) (59 – 50%) (≤ 40%)

Important activities carried out by the Rwandan parliament (chamber of deputies) for parliamentary diplomacy.

7. Rate your understanding of the concept “Parliamentary diplomacy”

Excellent

Very good

Good

Satisfactory

8. Does the chamber of deputies frequently promote the relations between Rwanda and other countries through parliamentary diplomacy?

Yes

9. Indicate all possible activities carried out by Rwandan parliament (chamber of deputies) in parliamentary diplomacy: a. Sending deputies on parliamentary missions in foreign countries. b. Receiving parliamentary delegations and foreign dignitaries on visits in Rwanda. c. Electing members of regional and continental parliaments. d. Actively participating in International Parliamentary Union meetings and other events. e. Creating bilateral friendship groups with parliaments of other countries. f. Constituting bilateral inter-parliamentary bodies to promote relations between the countries in various fields. g. Hosting meetings and conferences of inter-parliamentary organizations and forums. h.Others,-please-mention-them: ......

Thank you for your time!

APPENDIX IV: INTERVIEW GUIDE

Dear Respondent(s),

I am Nshimiyimana Justin, a student pursuing a Master’s Degree program in International Relations and Diplomacy at Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus. I am conducting a research on the following topic: PARLIAMENT AND INTERSTATE RELATIONS PROMOTION: A CASE STUDY OF RWANDA CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES (2013-2016). I kindly request your cooperation by providing important information for this study by filling this questionnaire. I hereby assure you that all provided information will be confidentially treated and only used for academic purposes.

Thank you.

1. Does the Rwandan parliament (chamber of deputies) play any clear role in the promotion of relations between Rwanda and other countries? If so, explain.

2. Describe the daily work of deputies who are boarding on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security.

3. How do you collaborate with the ministry of Foreign affairs and the government in general on issues of international relations and cooperation?

4. Does the government give your committee all needed information on international affairs and foreign policy even when the information is confidential?

5. What role is played by your committee in the ratification of international treaties and/or the incorporation of international legal instruments into the Rwandan legislation?

6. Is there a permanent joint committee on international matters amids the ministry of foreign affairs and the chamber of deputies?

7. Would you cite some of the ratifications or incorporations done by the Rwandan parliament in the last 4 years?

8. Mention some major bilateral agreements reached between Rwanda and other countries through the work of the chamber of deputies in the last 4 years.

9. What major challenges do you face while implementing or following up on issues related to the responsibilities of your committee?

10. Are you satisfied with the role played by the Rwandan parliament in the promotion of interstates relations? What would you like to see improved in this framework?

11. Could you explain how the Rwandan chamber of deputies carries out parliamentary diplomacy?

Thank you very much for your time!