We are listening to foreigners, but Rwandans hold the final decision – Mushikiwabo

Foreign countries are free to express their concerns over the Rwanda constitutional reforms, but the final decision of whether the said amendments will be implemented solely lie in the hands of Rwandans who will exercise their right through the referendum, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, has said.

Mushikiwabo made the remarks yesterday during a media briefing on the sidelines of the 4th High Level Dialogue on Democracy and Governance in Africa held in Kigali.

The USA and EU have expressed their concerns over Rwandan constitutional reforms despite clarifications by Rwandan leaders explaining how decisions are made basing on citizens’ wishes.

Recently the US ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power said that there were ‘maneuverings’ in parliament to facilitate constitutional amendment to allow President Paul Kagame extend his rule, noting that he must set an example for his region and step down at the end of his term in 2017.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also recently talked against constitutional reforms claiming it would hamper principles of government succession and democracy.

Reacting to such concerns, Mushikiwabo considered that Rwanda will not ignore foreign countries’ views but they must understand that Rwanda citizens are the ultimate and final decision makers about their destiny.

“Rwanda believes that the way this country should be governed, the changes and improvements that are needed, the structure, the model of governance of this country is the business of the citizens of Rwanda,” she said.

“We pay attention to what others are saying, including our partners, we listen carefully to their views and they are vey free to express themselves on the governance of this country as long as they understand that at the end the decision will have to come from Rwandans themselves,” added Mushikiwabo.

The process of Rwandan constitutional reform was fostered by over 3 million petitions of Rwandans who requested that president Kagame should extend his term of office to keep leading them after the expiration of the second term in 2017.

In a meeting of FPR Inkotanyi held on Sunday 6th December, 2015 in Rusororo sector, Gasabo district, members requested President Kagame to confirm the schedule for the nationwide referendum, which, it has been established, will take place on 18th December 2015.