This week, the passing of an icon dominated global news outlets as leaders and the common man alike showered their emotions over the death of Nelson Mandela.

Mandela was the embodiment of resistance against oppression and redefining the meaning of sacrifice for the sake of human dignity. Could Madiba’s never-say-die spirit be reconfigured to fit into the Rwandan context?

That is exactly what the just concluded National Dialogue (Umushyikirano) is all about back here on the home turf; sacrifice in the service of the nation. 

Thousands from all walks of life met again in what has become an annual feature on our calendar. They discussed issues affecting the nation, sought solutions and set the tone of what should guide the nation in the next year.

All this was done under the guiding light of what has come to define the modern Rwandan; the Rwandan spirit of never giving up in the face of adversity, of pushing on until the goal had been attained. 

Leaders are pushed to put service to the nation above self, protecting its integrity in a dignified manner that has seen this country make extraordinary leaps and bounds. 

This year’s National Dialogue against brought on board the youth, and from the quality of their interventions, in seeking working solutions for their well-being and that of the nation, the Rwandan Spirit is in good hands.

It is a legacy that should be guarded selfishly by not letting down the guard because complacency should not be part of the Rwandan dictionary.