President Kagame addressing the event (Photo: PPU)
In the just concluded Rwanda Day in Boston City – State of Massachusetts in the United States of America that gathered up to 4,000 people both Rwandans and friends of Rwanda from across the world, the event attracted many ears as the President Paul Kagame spoke of the country’s economic growth and development today.
The President reminded people that working hard gives to every individual’s value for higher quality of life and advancement in many ways reminding them that their Country is not an exception of others which have taken further steps.
“…wherever we are to build and develop our country, we cannot delegate it to expect anyone else to do it for us…”
Rwanda which has recently became the world’s admiration for her reforms in economic and development endeavour is yet catching huge attention among Internationals due to the unique way of handling complex issues like corruption. The country was recently put at the top of other East African members in combating corruption when Transparency International exposed the statistics showing Uganda with 42%, Tanzania with 39.1%, Kenya with 29.5% Burundi with 18.8% and Rwanda being only with 2.5 percent of corruption.
This has more to do with Kagame and his government. It has more to do with Rwandans who have written their record for their dignity and will to collectively build their country no matter what the good cost. They are not Hutus, Tutsis and Twa anymore in the first place but Rwandans at best. When they gathered in Boston since 21 September to 22 September this year 2012, they were all one and had same purpose: building Rwanda to the first world level.
The unity and reconciliation after 18 years of unspeakable Genocide has with challenges helped reach numerous goals that no country has been with such a record, the reason why President Kagame told them in a vigorous speech that they should be determined and become who they must become.
“…..we should not allow anybody to define us without us…” he said, also stating that Rwandans have the ability, desire and the right to define themselves.
The First Lady, Jeannette Kagame (right), shares a moment with one of the enthusiastic attendees (Photo: PPU)
The president however noted that the country has made all said progress through many difficulties and some unavoidable challenges almost in all spheres but assured everyone that challenges will always be faced with solutions. Issues of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which have always been placed to Rwanda’s shoulders were not forgotten but they are part of challenges among others which must give people the strength to work harder for both financial and economic freedom.
Some of the impressive progress in economy, Rwanda ranks 3rd in Africa but the first in East African Region and more astonishing; it is number seven (7) in the world according to the world economic forum index 2011.
Other international rankings put the people of Rwanda as among the most contented globally. It is no wonder that the same country lifted one million people out of poverty in only five years as from 2006 and 2011. It is thrilling information to be told of such progress in the country that despite of being a victim of genocide and now some International organisations painting it image as they wish, results are yet speaking for themselves. Those who heard and/or believed that Rwandans are a certain division of ethnicity were caught in surprise when they saw how loving they were in the ended event in Boston City.
Rwanda Day this year had a theme: ‘Agaciro, the journey continues’ that aimed at shading light to international Rwanda’s Diasporas to focus on the better future with the rest of Citizens back home.
The activity that has taken place for the second time was for the first time held in Chicago City – the State of Illinois USA, and France’s capital City Paris last year 2011.
The emotion was all visible in the excited audience (Photo: PPU)