President Paul Kagame has once again reminded Rwandans and their leaders that the country’s destiny lies in its own hands, not in promises or interventions from outside forces.
Addressing the 18th Annual Unity Club Intwararumuri forum at the Intare Conference Arena in on November 8, Kagame delivered a compelling message that intertwined patriotism, accountability, and personal conviction.
The gathering brought together more than 400 participants, including current and former government officials, district leaders, representatives from civil society, and members of the private sector.
Held under the theme “Ndi umunyarwanda: Igitekerezo ngenga cy’ukubaho kwacu,” loosely translated as “I am Rwandan: The guiding principle of our existence,” the two-day forum served as a space for reflection on leadership, national identity, and collective responsibility.
Kagame opened his address with a firm reminder that Rwanda’s progress since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has been achieved through deliberate effort, sacrifice, and unity among Rwandans themselves.
He cautioned leaders against complacency and dependence, stressing that the nation’s achievements were neither accidental nor owed to outsiders.
“If anyone thinks that anyone from the outside will come to save us, you are mistaken. As the saying goes, it is not the size of the dog in the fight; it is the size of the fight in the dog,” Kagame said.
He called on leaders to embody purpose-driven politics anchored in national identity and self-belief. “We must have politics defined by purpose, vision, and commitment. Those values should be reflected in the identity we see in each other,” he added.
The Head of State highlighted the Ndi umunyarwanda philosophy as the moral compass that has guided Rwanda’s transformation, emphasizing that unity and self-determination are the foundation upon which peace and development must stand.
“Where Rwanda has come from, and where it is today, is because of all of you here and the Rwandans you lead. To ensure things continue to improve, you cannot become complacent because of the progress we have made. Do not just be beneficiaries of the work others have done, play your part and make your contribution,” he said.
In his speech, Kagame also reflected on Africa’s enduring struggle with underdevelopment, urging leaders to confront the root causes rather than accept stagnation. He questioned why many African countries remain in cycles of dependency decades after independence, while nations that once stood at the same level have leaped ahead.
“As we sit here, people have different abilities and ways of reasoning, which is good because when combined, they can drive collective progress. But here’s the challenge. Where were we 50 or 60 years ago? When you look at it, we are almost where we were back then,” he said.
The President underlined that Rwanda “drew the line long ago” regarding its sovereignty and security, asserting that no deceitful acts or external pressures would compromise its stability.
“Those agreements are full of deceit,” he said, referring to ongoing tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo. “In everything we do, what we say, how we live with others, even when we fight, we drew the line long ago. That means anything that threatens Rwanda, we will not tolerate it.”
Kagame also emphasized that people should not live in despair or believe that development is out of reach, but rather embrace hard work and initiative.
Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe attributed Africa’s challenges to poor governance and a mindset of dependency, while veteran diplomat Charles Murigande said, “A true leader should eat last, but we have leaders who eat alone and leave others behind.”
The closing session of the forum also took a personal turn when President Kagame responded to public speculation about his family. He revealed that he had hoped all three of his sons would serve in the Rwanda Defence Force, but his eldest, Ivan Cyomoro Kagame, chose a different path.
“When they grew up, I told them about it, and they agreed, except one. He told me, ‘That’s not how I see myself. I want to make money. Once I finish school, I’ll go into business,’” he said.
He noted that while his youngest, Brian Kagame, recently joined the RDF after completing military training in the United Kingdom, each of his children is free to pursue their own aspirations.
Addressing rumors that his daughter, Ange Kagame, was being groomed for the presidency, Kagame dismissed the claims as baseless. “Recently, I saw posts on social media where people claimed I’m preparing my daughter to lead the country. But who prepared me?” he asked.
“My father didn’t prepare me. I cannot make someone a President, that’s not how it works. Maybe she doesn’t even want it. That’s just political talk that belongs in gossip circles,” he stressed.
He concluded by reaffirming that his family, like all Rwandans, will continue to live normal lives defined by work, discipline, and national values. “My family and my children are Rwandans like all others. They will live as any other Rwandans do,” he said.
