At the African School of Governance Matriculation Ceremony today in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, President Paul Kagame responded to a probing question from a young participant: “What is that one pressing issue in Africa that keeps you awake at night?”
The President’s answer was as candid as it was reflective. He made it clear that it is not a single issue but a multitude of challenges—both national and continental—that weigh heavily on his mind as a leader.
The burden of leadership
President Kagame began by encouraging young people to cultivate a habit of asking themselves tough questions. “It is good to be asking yourself those questions,” he told the audience, “but keep also interrogating yourself and saying, if I were the one with responsibility, if I were president, how would I go about solving that problem? Don’t just complain. Don’t just criticize. Go beyond that.”
This spirit of self-examination, he explained, is essential for leadership. For him, the ultimate challenge is determining how to tackle the problems facing Rwanda while recognizing that no leader, however capable, can solve them alone.
Poverty, division and security
Among the issues that occupy his thoughts are poverty, Rwanda’s painful history of division, and the continuous need to safeguard security. He stressed that while a president carries the greatest responsibility, sustainable progress depends on every citizen’s contribution.
“I cannot, as an individual, deliver on them without making everyone else contribute to that and understand what the problem is and what can be done to address it,” Kagame noted, adding: “That is my challenge every day—thinking how do we, together, make an impact on the outcomes we want?”
Beyond domestic concerns, Kagame pointed to the often unjust scrutiny Rwanda receives internationally. Despite being a small, densely populated country of 14 million people, he observed, Rwanda faces disproportionate interference from global powers.
“The big powers, whom you would think should have no time to think about us, really pay attention—and for the wrong reasons,” Kagame said. “They want to dictate whether you walk with your right foot or your left, what food you eat, and even who should lead you. It’s something we live with every day. It’s a big challenge.”
A shared responsibility
President Kagame reminded the audience that leadership is not a solitary pursuit. By encouraging young Africans to aspire to become presidents, prime ministers, and other leaders, he stressed the need for collective responsibility in addressing the continent’s challenges.
“The challenges are so many,” he said, “but you are welcome to think about and aspire to be a president or prime minister, so that I’m not alone, and the prime minister is not alone, in facing these global challenges.”
The blessing of sleep
Despite the weight of these burdens, Kagame concluded on a lighthearted note. “I have never had problems with my sleep,” he said with a smile. “I think it’s a blessing.”
Kagame’s response offered more than just insight into his own leadership—it was a lesson for Africa’s next generation. The call was clear: do not stop at identifying problems. Instead, envision solutions, take responsibility, and prepare to carry the mantle of leadership with resilience and conviction.
