He made the remarks while opening the General Assembly of the Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), held on June 21, 2026.
Addressing party members, Harerimana reflected on Rwanda’s difficult history, marked by poor governance and ethnic discrimination under both the First and Second Republics.
He noted that instead of focusing on national development, past leaders were preoccupied with marginalizing and persecuting Tutsis, whom they regarded as enemies.
“Rather than developing the country, the focus became discrimination and division. Schools were limited and accessible to only a few, while healthcare services were largely unavailable. The government’s main concern was how to continue oppressing Tutsis. Instead of discussing roads, hotels, or how to make use of Rwanda’s tourism potential, leaders were consumed by the question of how to target Tutsis,” he said.
Harerimana emphasized that when Juvénal Habyarimana came to power, many expected the poor governance practices established under Grégoire Kayibanda to change. However, he argued that only the leadership changed, while the governing ideology remained the same.
“He changed the leaders but not the system or its direction. Kayibanda was replaced, PARMEHUTU became MRND, but hatred against Tutsis, division, and discrimination continued to grow. The faces changed, but the policy remained unchanged,” he stated.
According to Harerimana, this poor leadership eventually led to the planning and execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with some of the political parties operating at the time playing a role in the atrocities.
He also highlighted the efforts of Rwandan refugees who chose to return to their homeland, formed the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), liberated the country, and brought an end to the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Harerimana further noted that the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, not only stopped the genocide but also played a central role in rebuilding a country that had been devastated by the tragedy.
He stressed that, 32 years later, the achievements made since then are evident to everyone and that safeguarding them is the responsibility of every Rwandan.
“Our responsibility is to protect Rwanda’s achievements, development, and national unity. The progress we are praised for today did not happen by chance.
It is the result of good governance and the strong relationship between citizens and their leaders. That relationship makes it possible for guidance to be given and for its outcomes to benefit the population,” he said.
Harerimana went on to explain that PDI is guided by three key pillars: promoting good governance in Rwanda, ensuring that the fundamental principles outlined in Article 10 of the Constitution remain the foundation of national development, and advocating for President Kagame’s guidance to continue serving as a model for the country’s leadership.
He added that President Kagame’s advice and vision should continue to guide Rwanda both now and in the centuries ahead.
“The guidance of Baba wa Taifa should continue to serve as a light for Rwanda, not only today but for hundreds of years to come. As different administrations succeed one another, this vision should remain a guiding principle and a roadmap for the governance of our country,” he said.
The Ideal Democratic Party (PDI) was founded in November 1991 with the aim of defending the rights of people who faced discrimination at the time, including members of the Muslim community in Rwanda, who were often denied fundamental rights under the government of that period.
PDI refers to President Kagame as “Baba wa Taifa,” a Swahili term meaning “Father of the Nation” or “Parent of the Nation.” The title is typically given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their country. One notable example is Julius Nyerere, who was widely known by the same title in Tanzania.
According to Sheikh Mussa Fazil Harerimana, the party chose to refer to President Kagame as Baba wa Taifa because of what it considers his outstanding contributions to Rwanda and the transformative impact he has had on the lives of Rwandans.
Among the achievements he highlighted are national unity, security, and sustainable development in a country that emerged from one of the darkest chapters in its history the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
