The thirteenth edition of the National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano) closed yesterday in Kigali with citizens, leaders and members of the Diaspora community recommitting to owning their future through championing ideals that espouse the country’s socio-economic transformation ideals as well as safeguarding the gains made since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The two-day national dialogue provided an opportunity for Rwandans to articulate their choices for the future they want while moving toward the achievement of globally endorsed development goals. As the thirteenth edition of Umushyikirano wound down, The New Times’ Eugene Kwibuka talked to some participants about what they made of the event. Below are their views;-

Jean-Marie Vianney Gatabazi, Member of Rwanda Parliament.

‘The National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano) is a unique forum where different views are expressed; it’s a widely open political space. During this year’s dialogue, we once again made it clear that we wish to have President Kagame post-2017 and we are all ready to play our role in getting a better future we want. During the thirteenth edition of Umushyikirano, Rwandans were hoping to hear a big "Yes” from the President after the referendum and I think his speech hinted that he might accept to run for President again in 2017 and then transfer power at any time as provided for in the Constitution.’

Fred Mufulukye, director-general in charge of territorial administration and good governance at the Ministry of Local Government.

‘What I liked here [at Umushyikirano] is seeing Rwandans from different levels, including villages, cells, the Diaspora, and others seated together reflecting and deliberating on issues of national interest. Areas of focus in this dialogue were also timely, like, Rwanda as a nation defined by peoples’ choices, and scaling up citizens’ participation and innovation for development. People have to feel that there is nobody else to define Rwanda and that the choices of their destiny are in their hands. So, Rwandans have to energise their participation.’

Emmanuel Mwumvaneza, executive secretary of Matimba Sector in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province.

‘I got three things from this meeting; first is that Rwandans have to make the best choices for themselves, second is continuing to build unity in the country, and finally the need to take responsibility. Rwandans, wherever they are need to be accountable for what they do.  This attitude can help us make a difference in the way we do our daily business.’

Annonciata Kambayire, executive secretary of Ruhango District, Southern Province.

‘The theme of the dialogue was very interesting because it helped us to examine what we have achieved today and decide how to move forward in the future. It was also clear in this dialogue that people are appreciating the services they get. They didn’t talk about many problems but they instead seemed more interested in appreciating what was achieved.’

Marie Immaculée Ingabire, president of Transparency International Rwanda.

‘People didn’t raise many issues during this dialogue. It basically means that they are either satisfied given that they are fresh from the referendum or maybe they didn’t get enough time to participate in this dialogue.  Going forward, officials need to implement what they promised during Umushyikirano because, if it’s not done, people will lose trust in the dialogue and in the country’s leadership.’

Pascal Kanyandekwe, Rwandan biologist working in Belgium.

‘The discussion held here is very good because it helped us understand what’s happening in the country. When we understand what’s going on we are also able to explain it to others in the Rwandan communities where we live. This thirteenth edition of the dialogue came at a time when we are fresh from the referendum and we were able to reflect more on the results from the poll.’

Francine Umutesi, Rwandan living in Poland.

‘It’s my first time to attend Umushyikirano. I liked the discussions, especially how the President listens to people and citizens get answers for their problems right away. I also liked the Rwandan values of dignity, responsibility, and love that the President reminded us about. It’s very rare for Heads of State to remind people such important values.’

Alice Cyusa, president of the Rwandan Global Diaspora and a resident of Indiana, US.

‘We come to this annual dialogue to rejuvenate ourselves because we are at the source here. I feel very interested in the recommendation that we have to teach Kinyarwanda to people back in our Rwandan communities abroad. We are also going to be very active on social media to tell people about Rwanda and we want to be development partners for our government back in Rwanda.’

Photos by Eugene Kwibuka.