Kigali, 16 December 2011
At the conclusion of the 9th National Dialogue, President Kagame asked Rwandans to be modest as they work to develop their country because being too conscious of their achievements could lead to complacency. President Kagame said that Rwandans should work hard bearing in mind that what they are doing is the right thing because they stand to benefit from their efforts.
“Personally, I consider these misguided criticisms as a motivation to work even harder because they point to issues that although non-existent in Rwanda, should be avoided nonetheless. They put us under pressure to do more and reach further.”
President Kagame said that most of the issues that were raised for discussion at the dialogue were substantial and relevant to Rwanda’s progress because people who raise issues that lack substance can’t do so at a public forum for fear of being challenged.
See pictures from Umushyikirano: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulkagame/sets/72157628443327711/
Listen to full speech: http://www.paulkagame.tv/podcast/?p=episode&name=2011-12-16_speech-day_2_umushyikirano_1-2.mp3
“There are people who want to see Rwanda through their own lens and will not accept to be shown otherwise. They don’t want to know the truth about what is happening because they want to maintain their own perceptions of this country.”
President Kagame pointed out that the progress being made in Rwanda should not be considered as a miracle because what’s happening is as a result of Rwandans, especially the ordinary people in the villages.
“Let us continue working hard, and skillfully. Let us strive to give ourselves dignity. We owe respect and dignity to all humanity as they also owe it to us.”
A total of 27 resolutions were presented at the conclusion of the 9th national dialogue, divided into the four pillars of government programs; Economic, Social welfare, Good governance and Justice.
Thereafter, President Kagame hosted all participants to a reception at the Urugwiro Village gardens, where he told the predominantly youthful Rwandans from the Diaspora to resist being brainwashed by people who still live in the past and would like to influence the young generation to think like them.
“Most of you were either young or had not been born yet when Rwanda was devastated by genocide. No one should carry the burden of a history they know nothing about. It’s good to respect your parents but not when they are clearly misleading you. You don’t have the power to shape the past but you can shape your future. I call upon all Rwandans wherever they are, whoever they are, in whatever way they identify themselves; to know that their roots, their rights and country are all here.”