President Kagame today urged the RPF National Executive Council to examine both the path and methods used towards achieving its goal of development for all and the impact geopolitics continues to have on Rwanda.Speaking to the extended RPF National Executive Committee, President Kagame told all present that RPF had made a choice:
“We can choose to be satisfied with making the least effort, staying where we are and remaining dependent for the rest of our lives even if that means being mistreated. You can choose to be defined by others or you can choose to be who you deserve to be. Our history has taught us the right choice. RPF made the choice to work hard to achieve the dignity Rwanda wants and deserves. We will only be able to benefit from hard work.”
President Kagame added that Rwanda cannot afford to move at a slow pace:
“Our situation does not allow us to take our time. We must work with a sense of urgency to achieve our goals.”
Addressing the issue of those who speak of negotiations with FDLR or blame Rwanda for the conflict in Eastern DRC, President Kagame stressed that this was evidence of those who have the luxury of speaking but suffer no consequences:
“When people continue to uphold genocide ideology, it is a reminder that the path ahead is still long. We cannot take anything for granted. For Rwanda, this is not just about a discussion. The consequences are a death or life issue for Rwanda.”
Speaking on the topic of reconciliation and forgiveness, President Kagame challenged those who claim that all Hutus were forced to apologize for the Genocide against the Tutsi during YouthConnekt event held on 30th June:
“Why should you have a problem with someone asking for forgiveness on your behalf but not with the one who killed in your name. We are not putting the blame on you, it is those who perpetuated crimes in your name who put the blame on you. The crime was not simply the killing but the silence of many in the face of the persecution of the innocent. Asking for forgiveness for choosing silence while a crime was committed in your name is the right thing to do.”
President Kagame concluded by reminding the RPF National Executive Council of their responsibility as leaders to deliver results and put the interest of Rwandans above any other:
“We want to build a new Rwanda. One that is not just based on empty words but on achievements.”
