PRESIDENT Paul Kagame issued a forceful call for national authenticity and self-reliance during twin addresses marking Rwanda’s 32nd National Heroes Day and the National Prayer Breakfast, warning Rwandans against abandoning their identity in pursuit of foreign ideals.
“Do not make the mistake of finding yourself thinking that you should be someone other than who you are,” Kagame declared at the Prayer Breakfast. “This country of Rwanda cannot be turned into any other country. Do not even think of it, because it is neither natural nor viable.”
The remarks came as Rwanda commemorated fallen heroes whose “lives exemplified bravery and patriotism.” Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laid a wreath during the observance, which the president framed as a reminder of the nation’s ongoing struggle.
“This was a moment to remind us of our own struggles as a nation, of what we have gone through, what we are going through and what is expected of us in the end to triumph,” Kagame said, explaining the significance of Heroes Day.
The president directed particularly sharp warnings at young Rwandans exposed to foreign influences, cautioning them against cultural mimicry.
“Wherever you go in the world, whatever you see, whatever you admire, never think of trying to leap away from who you are and becoming something else you saw elsewhere,” he told youth in attendance. “It does not last. And even if it did last, it would be like living without truly existing.”
Kagame rooted his message in what he described as resilience—a quality he said must permeate Rwandan society at every level. “We must build families that are resilient, individuals must build themselves to have resilience, and from that, the country itself becomes resilient,” he said. “Rwanda has been resilient. If Rwanda had not been resilient, you would not be sitting here.”
The president acknowledged the need for improvement while insisting it must build on Rwanda’s existing foundation. “Where it is not good, we change it and make it better, but always building on the foundation of who we are,” he said.
