Kigali, 16 November 2012

President Kagame today addressed the Unity Club Consultative Forum which was held at Parliament, organized by the Unity Club and the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission to mark the end of the unity and reconciliation week.

President Kagame thanked members of the Unity Club and other Rwandans who have dedicated their time to promote unity and reconciliation in the Rwandan society. President Kagame said the interests of Rwandans are the same, although means used to achieve objectives may be different:

“When people are united, no challenge is insurmountable. Our unity is our strength. Unity does not necessarily mean that people have the same line of thinking; it means people have the same interests and priorities for their country. Unity is rock solid and harnesses national values and identity which drive the progress of any nation. People without identity and values are bound to fail.”

The Vice Chairperson of Unity Club, Monique Nsanzabaganwa said there is need to put in place a school where national unity and reconciliation would be taught, in order to strengthen and entrench unity and reconciliation in the country:

“Genocide was planned over a long period of time. Reversing the effects will also need sustained and concerted efforts and assorted means.”

During the event, Inyenyeri organization was awarded the Unity Club Award 2012, for being exemplary in promotion of unity and reconciliation.