VILLAGE URUGWIRO - President Paul Kagame yesterday said that the triumph of Barack Obama in the United States elections should be a source of inspiration for Africans to change Africa for the better. He was speaking at a press conference held at Urugwiro Village.

The President largely dwelt on the current crisis in Eastern DR Congo but also took some time off to talk about the November 4 election of the first US African-American President and the current global financial crisis, among other issues.

Kagame said that it is an inspiration for Africans to do a lot better and more for themselves adding that they should not expect the American president to solve their problems. He said that if Africa and Africans can pick lessons from Obama’s victory, then so be it.

Kagame noted that something must have been taking place in the US society, saying that the US has realised a maturity in its politics and democracy to the point that it can accept the diversity of its society and for all people to run for and win the top office.

"The people of the US have made tremendous progress,” he observed. He said that the people of the US have been able to transcend the differences of the past.

Kagame talked of Obama’s historic election to the White House as something that "speaks volumes” of what the US and its people are and how they go through their different challenges. He congratulated the winner and the people of the US.

Kagame further noted that it should also serve as a lesson to other continents like Europe to accept diversity and accept people on the basis of merit.

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