President Kagame: Rwanda's Future Must Be Built on Truth, Unity and Confidence in Its Identity

President Paul Kagame has called on Rwandans to continue safeguarding the country's unity, protect the truth about its history, and remain confident in their identity, saying Rwanda's future depends on learning from its past rather than allowing it to define generations to come. Speaking at the Unity Club meeting held at Intare Arena, President Kagame said Rwanda has emerged from one of the darkest chapters in its history by choosing truth, reconciliation, and self-reliance over division and hatred. Reflecting on the country's past, he stressed that while Rwanda cannot erase its history, it must also refuse to let that history determine its future. "We went through a very dark chapter. But is that who we were meant to be? Is that what Rwandans wanted for themselves?" President Kagame asked. "It is our history, but it is not who we should have been, and it is not who we should become. That is what liberation means. It means that, as Rwandans, we freed ourselves." The President said debates about Rwanda's history are natural because people experienced events differently. However, he emphasized that historical discussions must be guided by facts, credible evidence and lessons that help build a better future instead of promoting denial or distortion. He warned that Rwanda cannot allow itself to become "hostage" to individuals seeking to reinterpret or manipulate its history for personal, political or ideological reasons. According to President Kagame, Rwanda has provided space over many years for dialogue, research and reflection on its past. He said that openness should strengthen understanding and reconciliation, not become a platform for spreading false narratives. The Head of State also noted that accepting historical truth requires courage, especially for those connected to painful events. He encouraged people to acknowledge the past honestly so that society can focus on healing, accountability and preventing similar tragedies from ever happening again. Beyond Rwanda's history, President Kagame urged Africans to have confidence in themselves and reject any belief that portrays Black people as inferior. "Do we really accept that, as Black people, we are somehow less human and inferior?" he asked, arguing that such ideas are often accepted not through words but through actions that undermine people's own dignity and identity. Addressing young Africans studying abroad, he encouraged them to pursue education and innovation while remaining rooted in their own values. "Under normal circumstances, there is nothing they know that you cannot also learn," he said, cautioning against adopting ideas that disconnect people from their identity or make them aspire to become someone else. President Kagame argued that nations are shaped by the ideas they embrace, saying responsible leadership and constructive ideologies lead to progress, while harmful ideas produce negative consequences. He concluded by calling on Rwandans to remain committed to the principles that have guided the country's recovery, saying protecting peace, national unity and truth requires conviction and responsibility. "You live for what you truly believe in, to the point where, if necessary, you are ready to die for it. That is where Rwanda stands today, whether some people like it or not," President Kagame said. His remarks highlighted Rwanda's continued emphasis on preserving historical truth, strengthening national unity, fostering self-confidence among its citizens, and ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to guide the country's future.

President Paul Kagame addresses the Unity Club Meeting, calling on Rwandans to uphold truth, protect their identity, and preserve the country's hard-earned unity and progress.

President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame attend the Unity Club Meeting at Intare Arena, where leaders reflected on Rwanda's history, national unity, and the country's journey of liberation and rebuilding.