KIGALI – President Paul Kagame, yesterday, said that Rwanda has continued to grow stronger and the Rwandan people are determined to be who they want to be, defying detractors who would want to see the country descend into conflict.

Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast at the Kigali Serena Hotel, attended by various government officials and religious leaders, the President said that some sections of the media and human rights groups have put themselves in the place of God, and they want to determine what Rwanda and her people should be.

Kagame said that during the just concluded presidential elections, Rwandans manifested a lot of enthusiasm and strong determination to work for their country’s development, adding that by turning out in big numbers, they made a statement about who Rwandans are and what they stand for.

“These people you saw in big numbers, they were not just after elections, they also wanted to make a strong statement to some people out there who don’t understand who we are,” Kagame said.

The President pointed out that the smear campaign will not divert Rwandans from the path they have decided to take. He pointed out that no individual or country has the right to define what another person or country should be, except God.

He compared the falsehoods being peddled against Rwanda to a spot of mud which can be washed and done away with time.

The President pointed out that Rwanda had to learn the hard way, as a result of her troubled past and Rwandans today will not allow anyone to divide them.

Kagame recounted how his passion to speak the truth for the country and for the Rwandan people, motivated his decision to become President, not the desire for wealth or glory.
The President reminded the audience that a good leader is one who has dignity and attaches value to the people he leads.

Kagame reminded the leaders that the massive turn out during the election rallies, reflects the expectations of the masses which they (leaders) must meet.

“We must meet the expectations of our people. We can only do more, we can only do better, but we can’t do less,” he said.

The President noted that a lot has been achieved over the last seven years and people have testimonies of how their lives have changed, but challenges still exist and there is a urgent need to multiply what is already in place.

Kagame commended the religious leaders for being part of the transformation the country has undergone, noting that religious groups have played a positive role in the development of the country, unlike in the past when religion was used as an instrument of destruction.

In his sermon, Rev. Antoine Rutayisire, called upon the leaders to shun bad practices such as pride, selfishness and moral decadence, adding that good leaders are God fearing, not exploitative and do not forget their electorate.

“A good leader is chosen by God and a good leader puts God ahead, because God does and sees things we can’t do or see as humans,” Rutayisire said.

“The main pitfalls leaders face include, self aggrandizement, wealth accumulation and moral decadence, this has led to the downfall of empires. We should not be complacent as leaders. We should always strive for the best.”

The national prayer breakfast is organised by Rwanda Leaders Fellowship.

Kigali — President Paul Kagame has challenged religious leaders to put the interests of their flock before their own, if they are to live up to the biblical character of the ‘good shepherd’.

President Kagame gave the advice yesterday while officiating at the consecration ceremony of Rev. Dr Laurent Mbanda, as a Coadjutor Bishop of Shyira Diocese replacing the retiring Bishop John Rucyahana, who has been at the helm of the Diocese since 1997.

Addressing thousands of the faithful, who braved the rain at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Musanze Town, President Kagame said that all leaders, be it in government or church, should have a sense of responsibility and accountability to those they are responsible for. The president emphasised the need to be result oriented.

Kagame urged the church leaders not to be like a shepherd who abandons his flock and instead seeks self satisfaction. At the end of the day, he said, the shepherd will reap the benefits at the expense of the flock.

He referred to the outgoing Bishop Ruchyahana as a leader, who during his reign, did not only fulfil his duties at the diocese but also served the whole country.

He said that the country will continue seeking his services, adding that he personally has been seeking his advice from time to time and will continue to do so.

On the other hand, Kagame advised the incoming Bishop to consolidate what his predecessor has put in place and to come up with more initiatives to improve the lives of his followers, while contributing to the economy.

The Governor of the Northern Province, Aimé Bosenibamwe, hailed Bishop Ruchyahana for having greatly contributed to the development and well being of the people of the Northern Province.

He highlighted some of Ruchyahana’s development initiatives in the education sector, construction and hotel industry, social welfare as well as unity and reconciliation.

In his remarks, Bishop Rucyahana said that the prevailing peace in the country, support and cooperation he received from the Government enabled him accomplish the tasks bestowed on him during his service in the ministry.

Rt. Rev. Laurent Mbanda who was awarded a Certificate of Episcopal Consecration rallied the Christians to support him in accomplishing and fostering the established developments, and the outreach missions which have been started

“It is a big honour to serve God, I am going to fill big shoes but by God’s grace we will get there,” Bishop Laurent Mbanda said after taking oath.

The Episcopal Consecration of Rev. Dr Mbanda, as the Bishop-elect, of Shyira Diocese was conducted by the Archbishop of the Province of Anglican Church of Rwanda, Rt. Rev Emmanuel Kolini, assisted by other provincial bishops.

Anglican Bishops from the neighboring countries; Burundi, D R Congo, and Uganda also attended the ceremony.

Copyright © 2010 The New Times. All rights reserved. Distributed by Bridge2Rwanda.org

Rwanda President Paul Kagame is scheduled to speak at the University of the Pacific on April 14, 2005. He will discuss progress Rwanda has made in the last ten years.

Many Americans have been moved by the powerful performances in the films “Hotel Rwanda” and HBO film “Sometime in April.” Few understand how far Rwanda has progressed in the past decade. “Hotel Rwanda” abruptly ends with soldiers moving in to stop the genocide. Those soldiers, of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) were led by then General Paul Kagame, who was ultimately elected President of Rwanda in 2004.

For the past ten years President Kagame has worked to rebuild his country, achieving remarkable success.

In recognition of these accomplishments, University of Pacific President Donald DeRosa will present Kagame with an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree.

It will be the first time and American university has conferred an honorary degree on Kagame. DeRosa and Kagame will also announce a student exchange program with the Rwandan Ministry of Education. It will be the first such program with an American university.

The School of International Studies Gerber Lecture Series at the University of the Pacific is proud to present President Paul Kagame on April 14 at 6 p.m. in the A.G. Spanos Center. The presentation is free of charge and open to the public.

Tickets are required and can be picked up at the box office or at www.tix.com. Tickets can be found by typing in Kagame” in the keyword box. For more information please call the School of International Studies at 209 946-2818.

EDITOR: The news media are invited to attend and cover the speech. A news conference (restricted to working press only) will be held in George Wilson Hall at 5 p.m. (PST). Press interested in interviewing President Kagame should contact Dr. Joe Brennan, executive director of marketing, at 209-946-2746  or by email jbrennan@pacific.edu.

For more Rwanda News, visit www.bridge2rwanda.org

Kigali — President Paul Kagame has called upon Rwandans to put more efforts in fighting poverty as a way of demonstrating heroism and following in the footsteps of the heroes the country honoured yesterday.

This year’s Heroes Day was celebrated at local level, a move that saw huge turnouts all over the country.

Businesses did not open in the morning and scores of people and few vehicles could be seen on the road as people gathered in large numbers to debate and share ideas on the concept of heroism. Local leaders and Members of Parliament joined their neighbours to commemorate February 1st, the day the country remembers individuals whose actions, beliefs and ambitions were selfless.

In his message broadcast on national television and radio, President Kagame said that the heroes the country was honouring yesterday were characterised by exemplary acts geared towards building the nation.

“Today’s celebrations, therefore, should remind us of the spirit of patriotism, self-sacrifice, wisdom, and more particularly, the need to develop our people and country.” “With this year’s theme in mind, it is only fitting that we follow in the footsteps of those heroes we remember today.”

“And it is in view of that, that we urge all Rwandans to demonstrate heroism in all their daily activities, with the country’s development as our first priority,” Kagame said.

This year’s Heroes’ Day was celebrated under the theme ‘Let’s be brave in our determination to develop Rwanda’. President Kagame said that country’s development still has a long way that entails transformation in all aspects and requires efforts of all Rwandan to steer the country forward especially in the areas of good governance, justice, economic prosperity and the people’s social wellbeing.

He noted that looking at where Rwanda is today in all the above aspects, it would be appropriate to say that there have been heroic actions in the process of the country’s reconstruction.

“As a matter of fact, judging from where we have come, some thought Rwanda did not stand a chance. Against all odds, our people’s heroism helped to liberate the country, repair and reconstruct it. As a result, our country now enjoys the dignity it deserves.”

“It should be understood that heroism does not mean lack of fear; rather, it means daring to challenge that which causes fear, and that which is likely to endanger people’s livelihoods and welfare,” Kagame added.

He noted that what the country has to do now is to confront poverty and dishonourable ways of doing things in order to propel the country to the desired development levels. “In this day and age, our economic wellbeing should not depend on land only. Sustainable development should depend on people, who possess the appropriate knowledge and skills that can be used to create employment,” Kagame noted.

The President promised that the government will continue to put in place necessary policies and programmes required to achieve development so that all Rwandans, in their communities, at all levels, work together to implement these plans.

The president of the Senate, Dr.Vincent Biruta, presided over a ceremony to lay a wreath on the Heroes grounds near Amahoro National Stadium in Remera. Biruta represented President Kagame who is out of the country to attend the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.

Kigali — On the second day of the ongoing AU summit in Addis Ababa, President Paul Kagame, along with other Heads of State, participated in a discussion on ICT on the continent, co-organized by the African Development Bank and the World Bank.

The working breakfast chaired by AfDB President Donald Kaberuka and WB President Robert Zoellick, focused on ways ICT can have an impact on the continent beyond infrastructure and how the two institutions can increase their support in improving interconnection between African countries.

It was also revealed that the East African Centre for Excellence for ICT is to be set up in Rwanda, and that the project is already well under way.

President Kagame later in the day participated in a luncheon organized by the Alliance of African Leaders against Malaria (ALMA) where the Heads of State discussed the current situation of Malaria on the continent.

Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo who was at the lunch said: “This event drew many Heads of State whose countries have been active in implementing preventive mechanisms for malaria. Rwanda of course is one of the countries that have registered significant success with relatively easy mechanisms, including the use of insecticide impregnated nets and some level of control of social and municipal structures. This meeting was a way to ensure that the momentum in this anti-malaria program continues.”

In addition to the events held today, President Kagame also met with US Assistant Secretary of State, Johnnie Carson, where among other issues they discussed the much-improved relations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and ongoing efforts to develop economic cooperation such as joint extraction of methane gas in Lake Kivu.

On the situation in Darfur, President Kagame pointed out the need to reinforce UNAMID to improve the effectiveness of the peacekeeping mission in which more than 3000 Rwandan troops deployed.

Also discussed was climate change and the concerns as well as potential contribution of African countries in fighting the threat of global warming.

Kigali — President Paul Kagame, Friday, challenged the youth to be major achievers, saying that there is a lot they can offer that other people in the country or continent are looking up to in order to attain their own aspirations.

Kagame made these remarks at the award-giving ceremony dubbed “Celebrating Young Rwandan Achievers,” (CYRWA), an initiative of the Imbuto Foundation.

While addressing guests, the President urged the young men and women not to waste themselves or their time, but rather they should go ahead and achieve what they can to drive the nation to prosperity.

“There is nobody else that is going to do it for you. Nobody else is going to do it for our country and nobody will do it for our continent.

“We Africans are always referred to as poor, the disaster area, poverty stricken .People will sympathise with you, come and help, but that is all.”

He noted that the more achievers, the stronger the critical mass that will make the development process more dynamic and faster, hence enabling the country to stand on its own.

“We don’t have to wait for tomorrow, it should have been yesterday… There is a lot in young people that we can build on to be where others are today. These youngsters have shown us that it can be done”.

“In other parts of the world, some people have taken prosperity for granted while we are still struggling for it. We must work hard to enable our young people achieve what they can.” Kagame emphasised.

As regards self sustainability, the President advised the youth to work hard, think hard and smart to develop themselves and their country.

Kagame also reminded the audience that it is not pre-ordained that Rwanda or Africa should remain poor, but rather it is imperative to invest energy and time to change the situation.

“It is not written anywhere, whether in the Bible, Quran or dictionary, that Rwanda or Africa, are there to remain poor, or that we are sub-human and others are superior and more human that they should look after us. “Our nation will develop through building on energies and successes of individuals as well. You can not develop Rwanda or Africa unless you start from the individual to the nation and then to the continent,” Kagame noted.

He therefore recognised the achievers as representatives that other people look to for more achievement and contribution to Rwanda’s overall development.

The President pointed out that the young recipients of the awards were not only achievers, but also examples to others.

Eight young Rwandans who have strived towards the highest levels of personal and professional excellence, and in turn contributed meaningfully to their communities, were given prestigious awards at the colourful ceremony.

Larissa Kaze, Jean Pierre Muranga, David Mwambari and Beth Kayitesi were among those awarded.

The First Lady and Patron of Imbuto foundation, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame also urged the young achievers to be torch bearers that must endeavour to live to the expectations of those who nominated and awarded them.
“I encourage you to aim for excellence, to believe in yourselves, to educate, engage and empower other young people and most of all, surround yourselves with people who bring out the best in you. Such are qualities of leaders who aspire to be part of a dignified generation,” she urged.

The government, One United Nations family, the Private Sector Federation, and individual contributors were recognised for the support they render to the Foundation’s activities.

Kaze, a US based Rwandan who won the award for reaching out to the community through three orphanages that she founded in the country, also pledged her continuous support to community development.

The programme which started in 2007 aims at promoting visionary leadership, excellence, integrity and the zeal to aspire to inspire other young people.

Kigali — President Paul Kagame has been listed among the world’s 50 most influential people who shaped the last decade, alongside some of the renowned global heavy weights in the areas of politics, business, economics and culture.

The survey carried out by The Financial Times (FT) attracted a debate with contributors saluting the publication for having chosen Kagame describing him as a leader who had great impact not only in the region but across the World.

“It was not an easy task. There could easily have been 50 people from each category. So the men and women on our list should be seen as representative of the larger themes of the decade,” the Financial Times said.

Commenting on President Paul Kagame’s featuring on the list, The Financial Times said, “the President is admired in the west, and in the sub-region, for his leadership in rebuilding Rwanda since the devastation of the 1994 genocide.”

‘Rwanda, under his leadership, has punched well above its weight,’ FT said.

Kagame’s nomination attracted some debate on the website of the FT, one of the World’s most respected publications, with the majority of contributors saying the President merited the honour.

A comment by a contributor on the website emphasised that Kagame was most certainly instrumental in “snatching” Rwanda from the status of a failed state it had been before 1994, to one of the “respected and most watched nations” on the African continent.

The achievements cited by contributors to the debate, included restoration of political stability, maintaining a steady economic growth and promotion of gender equality as some of the milestones under Kagame’s leadership.

“Only the foolish would deny or understate these remarkable achievements for a country that was known for exporting refugees into exile and for pogroms/genocide a decade and half ago,” one of the contributors said.

Another FT reader wrote that, “the Financial Times is right to have H.E Paul Kagame in the list of the top people who have shaped world politics in the last decade.

Indeed, Rwanda is Africa’s biggest success story. In barely 15 years, the country has transformed from a failed state to one of the fastest growing economies on the continent,”

“It has established a stable government with democratic institutions, ensured peace and security, made unprecedented progress towards national unity and reconciliation, and restored its economy attaining an 11.2% growth rate over the past year,” the comment reads.

The 50 most influential persons’ list includes; US President Barrack Obama, Chinese President Hu Jintao, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, renowned TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey, Google Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

Copyright © 2010 The New Times. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

View excerpts from the interview in the video below: