Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking during the RPF Inkotanyi campaign at Shyogwe sector in Muhanga District on June 24, 2024, President Kagame, who is seeking to defend his seat in the polls slated for July 15, reminded the citizens that there was a time when Rwandans who had fled abroad were denied the right to return home.

This happened during the regime of Juvénal Habyarimana, who told Rwandans living in Uganda that Rwanda was like a glass full of water, and adding more would cause it to overflow.

Habyarimana’s policy of preventing Rwandans from returning was one of the reasons why the RPA Inkotanyi forces in Uganda started the liberation struggle in October 1990, ultimately achieving victory in July 1994.

Since the RPF took power, many Rwandans who had fled have returned to join others in rebuilding a country that had been devastated in many ways. Those familiar with Rwanda’s history affirm that Rwanda continues to stun the world with its massive transformation over the past 30 years.

Kagame told the gathering in Muhanga District that although Rwanda is small on the map, it is not too small to accommodate all Rwandans, and therefore, no one should be a refugee because they are denied the right to live in Rwanda.

He said, “No one should be a refugee. Every Rwandan, whether today or in the future, regardless of our population size, will fit in Rwanda.”

The RPF Inkotanyi candidate explained that for Rwandans to be fully accommodated in Rwanda, they need to work together, embrace modernity, and do things efficiently.

He said, “For people to be accommodated in a country like Rwanda, which is considered small, yet still manages to accommodate many, it is possible, but it requires working together, embracing modernity, doing things efficiently, and ensuring Rwanda is prosperous.”

He emphasized that the unity of Rwandans is one of the core values of the RPF Inkotanyi, urging them to make the right choice in the upcoming elections on July 15 to continue the journey of building Rwanda together.

In his speech during the campaign event held in Rugerero sector in Rubavu District on June 23, 2024, President Kagame touched on Rwanda’s relations with neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Residents of Rubavu, especially those in border sectors like Rugerero, asserted that their security is well-maintained, even though they often hear gunfire from nearby areas in the DRC.

Kagame highlighted that security is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s development because, without it, progress is impossible.

He said, “Nothing can be achieved without security. Security is essential, and it is provided by everyone; you as Rwandans are the primary contributors to security.”

The RPF flag bearer went on to explain that security agencies perform their duties based on the foundation laid by the citizens.

He said, “The other security agencies you see rely on you, they are built on you, the goodwill among you makes it possible to achieve complete security, enabling Rwandans to reach their goals.”

Kagame explained that Rwanda is secure because of everyone’s contribution.

The RPF Inkotanyi candidate told the citizens that as long as they continue to contribute to the country’s development as they have for the past 30 years, anyone wishing ill upon Rwanda will find no opportunity.

He said, “Those born in the last 30 years, some have become ministers, some travel by plane, others have studied and excelled, but we have achieved all this through our usual hard work, good mindset, dedication, and ambition. Where would anyone wishing ill upon Rwanda find a way in? Nowhere. And as we progress and build more, we also build the capacity to ensure that our achievements endure.”

Since 2023, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi have expressed intentions to attack Rwanda and oust Paul Kagame from power. These statements have severely deteriorated relations between Rwanda and these countries.

Kagame emphasized that Rwanda seeks to live peacefully with everyone but is ready to confront anyone who wishes to harm it. He said, “We want to live in harmony with our neighbours and others, especially African countries and others far beyond. For us, the primary goal is to coexist peacefully, but when you build with the intention of peaceful coexistence, you must also be prepared. If someone does not wish to coexist peacefully and seeks to harm you, are you ready? That is the question we continually seek to answer in our own way.”

The RPF Inkotanyi candidate stated that Rwandans prioritize doing what concerns them and achieving their ambitions; if it involves cooperation or peaceful coexistence with other countries, they will do so, but if “other things” arise, they are prepared for those too.

Addressing thousands of RPF-Inkotanyi party supporters at Busogo ground in Musanze District, the Head of State told the residents that he had tried his best to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him.

“Being here asking you to make a good choice on July 15, 2024, I don’t have a big part to play in that election. That’s why I came here to thank you. Didn’t you put me in this position? So if you put me in, will you take me out? If you decide to take me out, you have your way of doing it, and I have no objections. All the work you entrusted to me in past years, I tried my best to do it, and you helped me. For what did not go well, you also share in the responsibility, just as you share in what went well,” President Kagame stated, further telling those who don’t wish Rwanda well to “tone down”.

Reflecting on Rwanda’s painful history during and after the colonial period, President Kagame noted that the country had made huge strides, especially in the last 30 years despite being derailed by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He attributed the transformation to the unique leadership of RPF, which took over the reins from the previous genocidal administration.

“The RPF represents uniqueness. It is unique in this history, unique in how things need to change. The question is, who makes these changes? How do they change? They are changed by you,” President Kagame remarked.

In an apparent reference to constant criticism from the West over democracy in Rwanda, President Kagame emphasized that Rwandans have the right to choose their leaders in a democracy.

“Democracy means choosing what is right for you, what you want, and having the freedom in that choice. Democracy is not about having someone choose for you; no one should choose for you, you choose for yourself. This should be understood here and elsewhere, including where it is said to originate.

“Where it originates, no one chooses for them, which is why they do not have the right to choose for others. This choice stems from the unique nature of a country, its people, and Rwanda,” he said.

The RPF chairman is running against Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Mbayimana Philippe, who is vying for the presidency on an independent ticket. Six other independent candidates had their candidature rejected after failing to meet several requirements set by the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

The campaigns will close on July 13. Approximately 9.5 million people have registered to vote in this year’s parliamentary and presidential elections.