The President dismissed shortcuts and temporary fixes, advocating instead for comprehensive solutions to ensure lasting peace for the region. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
In his New Year’s address, President Paul Kagame delivered a poignant and resolute message that resonated deeply with both Rwandans and the global audience.
Blending reflection with ambition, and switching seamlessly between Kinyarwanda and English, he painted a vivid picture of Rwanda’s milestones, challenges, and aspirations.
His tone was unflinching yet hopeful, a call to action and a reminder of Rwanda’s sovereignty—a sovereignty that, as he emphasized, would be defended at all costs.
With 2024 promising to be a pivotal year in Rwanda’s history, President Kagame began by wishing Rwandans and friends of Rwanda a happy New Year.
He underlined the significance of key upcoming events, including the presidential and parliamentary elections, the 30th commemoration of Kwibuka, the remembrance of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, and Kwibohora, the Day of Liberation. These, he said, were moments for collective reflection, progress, and renewal of commitment to national unity. “Let us all together continue on that path,” he urged.
Reflecting on the success of last year’s elections, he praised Rwandans for their active participation and confidence in their leadership. “The elections went well,” he stated. “Once again, Rwandans showed the trust they have in their leaders and institutions. I would like to thank Rwandans and friends of Rwanda for their support during those elections and on any occasion when that support is needed.”
The President emphasized that the voice of Rwandans was clear: a desire for better service delivery and greater achievements. “Let us all work together to accomplish that,” he said.
The year 2023 was not without its challenges. Chief among them was the Marburg virus outbreak, which claimed 15 lives, most of them healthcare workers.
President Kagame offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and praised the courage of healthcare workers who sacrificed their lives.
“To the families who lost loved ones, we share your loss,” he said. “I thank the healthcare workers for their bravery and our development partners for their invaluable help. Thanks to all of them, we had the lowest death toll ever recorded from a Marburg virus outbreak.”
On regional matters, Kagame delivered a firm message regarding the persistent instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He highlighted the continued failure to address the root causes of conflict and warned against attempts to destabilize Rwanda.
Stressing the indivisibility of peace, he declared, “We all need the same peace. Unfortunately, we continue to see instability in our region and along our borders. I want to assure you that Rwanda’s security and sovereignty will always be fully protected, by all means necessary.”
The President dismissed shortcuts and temporary fixes, advocating instead for comprehensive solutions to ensure lasting peace for the region. “There has to be a comprehensive solution that deals with root causes in the medium and long term, guaranteeing peace for all the peoples of our region,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to historical clarity and its refusal to accept misrepresentation. “We will continue to stand for historical clarity regarding our situation and will never accept to be painted as something we are not.”
Returning to domestic themes, Kagame reminded Rwandans of a message he has championed for years: self-reliance. “The development of Rwanda is based on a simple but essential truth: you cannot look to others for your progress without investing effort in your progress,” he said. This message, aimed at Rwandans, also carries weight for the broader African continent, particularly as it seeks to assert its agency and chart its path.
Amidst the challenges, Rwanda ended the year on a high note with the country hosting the International Automobile Association (FIA) annual awards for the first time on African soil. This milestone, Kagame said, symbolized Rwanda’s ambition to play a leading role in global motorsport.
“We ended the year on a positive note by hosting the FIA General Assembly for the first time on the continent and announced our intention to bring world-class motorsport to Africa,” he stated. Beyond the glamour, the President highlighted the potential economic benefits of such ventures, ensuring that every Rwandan could benefit from the resulting growth and opportunities.
To skeptics questioning whether Rwanda, a developing nation, could handle such high-profile events, Kagame delivered a sharp rebuttal. “We take pride in aiming high because that is possible and the best way to live our lives. In any case, it is well within our means and capabilities,” he said. This sentiment reflects Rwanda’s broader ethos of striving for excellence and embracing innovation to achieve transformative progress.
Closing on an inspirational note, Kagame addressed Rwanda’s youth, urging them to lead the nation into a brighter future. “To our young people, it is to you we look to take Rwanda to the next stage, beyond what we even considered,” he said. “You must always be confident that we are capable of determining a future that we want and deserve.”
President Kagame’s New Year’s address was both a reflection on the resilience of a nation and a rallying cry for its people to seize the opportunities ahead. From asserting sovereignty to championing self-reliance, it was a message that underscored Rwanda’s commitment to progress, peace, and prosperity.