During a discussion in Singapore on September 19, 2024, President Paul Kagame highlighted how Rwanda’s tragic history, particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, shaped his leadership. Speaking with Richard Ditizio, President of Milken Institute, Kagame shared how these experiences informed his decisions as the nation's leader.
President Kagame
recounted his own journey as a refugee at the age of four, living in camps for
two decades before witnessing the horrors of the Genocide. He emphasized the
lessons learned from these difficult times, noting that they shaped his resolve
to fight against injustice. “You either let these challenges defeat you, or you
rise to fight them,” he said.
He also pointed out that
many Rwandans faced similar decisions during that time, choosing to rise and
fight for their rights and country. For him, the lessons from Rwanda’s past
guide his responsibilities as President, ensuring that such tragedies are never
repeated.
Kagame concluded by
stating that while Rwanda has made significant progress, the nation's history
serves as a constant reminder that success can be fragile. His mission is to
ensure that future generations grow up in a better Rwanda than the one he and
his peers experienced.
President Paul Kagame
stated that the lessons learned from Rwanda's dark history leading to the 1994
Genocide agaiinaist the Tutsi help guide him in fulfilling his duties as Head of State