No nation should be forced to live by the will of others - President Kagame

President Paul Kagame has emphasized that a country that succumbs to external pressure in its governance effectively forfeits its sovereignty and survival.

Speaking during the Inkera y’Imihigo gala that marked the conclusion of the 17th Unity Club Intwararumuri Forum on November 16, 2024, Kagame warned against nations allowing themselves to be dictated by foreign interests.

“When a country accepts to be led by those who impose their will through intimidation, threats, or sanctions, it has essentially lost its life,” he remarked.

President Kagame noted that some external actors seek to manipulate and control nations through fear tactics, labeling, and interference. He underscored the danger of surrendering to such pressures, stating:

“Such tactics aim to distract and intimidate, but a nation that succumbs is one that has already ceased to exist. When you allow others to dictate how you should govern or behave, you lose your autonomy. That is not living.”

Kagame questioned the idea that some people or nations might claim divine authority to impose their will on others. He called for equal respect among all nations, saying:

“Are there people who were created by other humans, or did we all come from God? Those who act as though they were given authority by the Creator to control others—where were they when over a million of our people were being massacred in just 100 days? Were they there to save us?”

President Kagame urged Rwandans to take charge of their destiny, utilizing their intellect and willpower to build the nation they envision. He noted:

“The Creator gave us brains to think, and we must use them. Rwanda, with its history and context, must learn to navigate the world independently. There’s no excuse for failing to act with determination, strength, and clarity in pursuing our goals.”

He called on citizens to unite and focus on their shared aspirations, emphasizing that Rwanda’s resilience and unity would silence those who seek to tarnish its reputation.

“There are those who spend their time defaming Rwanda, accusing it of authoritarianism and other falsehoods. However, when we stand united, their words lose power,” Kagame affirmed.

President Kagame encouraged participants of the Unity Club Forum to continue fostering unity, as it remains a powerful tool against those who harbor ill will toward Rwanda. He reiterated the importance of each individual’s contribution to the nation’s progress:

“Every Rwandan has a role to play in ensuring that Rwanda not only survives but thrives. By doing your part—no matter how small—you contribute to building the Rwanda we all aspire to see.”

President Kagame concluded by assuring Rwandans that the government remains steadfast in delivering on its promises without fear or hesitation. He called for continued collective effort to ensure Rwanda’s development and sovereignty.

“Let us all commit to doing what we can, where we are, to make Rwanda the strong, self-reliant, and prosperous nation we desire it to be,” he said.

The event served as a reminder of Rwanda’s resilience and determination to uphold its sovereignty and chart its path forward, free from undue external influence.