Tony Blair in Rwanda to Advise Kagame Government

Kagame`s critics say his authoritarian style is hampering democracy.

Britain's former prime minister Tony Blair flew into Rwanda on Saturday to provide policy advice to President Paul Kagame's government which is viewed by some in the West as one of Africa's most progressive.

Blair was giving unpaid advice to the government, which is seeking to transform the central African nation's economy and image after the 1994 genocide that killed about 800,000 people.

Former rebel leader Kagame is credited by supporters with restoring order, achieving healthy economic growth, developing new sectors such as IT, and running a disciplined government. But critics say his authoritarian style is hampering democracy.

"Tony Blair ... comes to talk with President Kagame on what role he can voluntarily play in the development of our country," David Himbara, head of the Rwandan president's policy and strategy unit, told Reuters.

Blair was using his experience to advise the government on issues of policy formulation, coordination of government work and the creation of a think-tank, local officials said.

"He's going to help us think beyond the routine," Himbara said. "Do we have the correct policy mix -- how can we better coordinate and harmonise government policy, how do we adopt better innovations to transform our nation?"

Blair's visit follows trips this month to Rwanda by U.N. Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon and U.S. President George W. Bush. Washington regards Kagame as one of a new generation of progressive African leaders.

On his two-day visit, Blair was also to visit Rwanda's genocide museum.