President Paul Kagame said that Rwanda is endowed with a clear vision to keep it on track to progress and will never give in to detractors turning deaf ear to truth.
He was speaking to thousands of Rwandans in diaspora and friends of Rwanda attended the Rwanda Day held on September 24th at San Francisco in the United States of America (USA).
“We will not just bow to you. It is not where we belong. We belong to a nation that can engage in a conversation,” President Kagame adding that it is inappropriate to tell Rwanda’s critics not to meddle into the country’s affairs instead of telling them the truth about the nation.
The host of guest at Rwanda Cultural Day further said that he is liable for all his actions, but those who criticize him should also be willing to prick up their ears.
“I don’t mind if you hold me accountable for what I am doing but you must be able to listen. There is no such power that people have that they should not be able to listen to others,” Rwanda’s head of state said.
This year’s Rwanda Day held under the theme “Agaciro: a Heritage of dignity”, Rwandans in diaspora were urged to dignify themselves by shunning refugee status which takes away their self-esteem.
Unlike previous Rwanda Days, this year’s annual event connecting Rwandans in diaspora centered on the culture. Unaware of their culture, a majority of participants seized opportunity to learn components of their culture including values, proverbs, riddles, carpentry and pottery among others.
President Kagame pointed out, “Culture is neutral. It is a common thread that runs through a society and brings people together.”