The Chairman of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF Inkotanyi), President Paul Kagame, has called on leaders to always serve the interests of the Rwandans – one of the fundamentals upon which the party is built.

The President made the call while opening the RPF Political Bureau meeting that converged in Kigali yesterday.

The meeting brought together close to 2,000 party leaders at the national level, grassroots, private sector and the Diaspora.

Kagame called on leaders to serve with humility and without putting their own interests above those they are in office to serve.

VIDEO IN KINYARWANDA: President Kagame speaks at the RPF Bureau Politique.

"No one leader here can be more important than the nation they serve. Some leaders get drunk on praises and start to believe their interests are above the nation they are meant to serve,” Kagame said.

"Public service is about serving people and the country. Providing services to citizens is not a favour but a duty.”

Kagame also acknowledged the progress registered so far, but hastened to add that there is still a long way to go.

One of the areas where Rwanda has succeeded is ensuring security for Rwandans so that they are able to live and work without fear of persecution for who they are, how they look, or what they believe in, he said.

"No Rwandan lives in fear of not waking up to see the next day. This is what comes first - a Rwandan gets up every morning with their security guaranteed,” the RPF party chairman said.

He added that once security is assured, the next step should be working towards improving the lives of the the people, be it in education, doing business, wealth creation or quality health care.

But this, Kagame said, will only be possible if people address governance-related issues that are slowing the achievement of the party’s development goals.

‘Poor coordination’

The President singled out poor coordination and communication among leaders both within same institutions and with other institutions linked to each other.

"We have raised this over and over again, we know the benefits and the effects. Why don’t we coordinate? Why do we always remind people to do what they are supposed to do? " Kagame asked the party cadres, adding that as servant leaders, they should be able to do their jobs without being pushed or forced.

He further criticised those who witness people in authority making mistakes and remain indifferent, claiming fear of ridicule.

He cautioned them against this negative solidarity, saying that as an RPF cadre, one must speak out against corruption or injustices without fear or favour.

"Our historical experience is the best teacher we can have. Over the past 22 years, we have gone through so much that we can learn a lot from,” Kagame said.

He pointed out how corruption affects everyone, including those directly involved, adding that the issue must be dealt with uncompromisingly.

IN PICTURES: RPF Bureau Politique on December 11, Kigali Convention Centre

The President called on the cadres to address the challenges the country faces, with the same level of sacrifice that characterised the men and women who liberated the country 22 years ago.

He reminded them of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to put the country where it is today, saying the cause for which they paid with their lives should not be taken lightly.

President Kagame reiterated calls to hold responsible those who cause loss of public funds even if it means selling off their ill-earned wealth.

He tasked the Ministry of Justice to review loopholes that have enabled people get away with embezzlement and no explanation of how public resources have disappeared or been squandered.

The President pointed out that Rwanda has built a brand that is recognised globally and it is the collective responsibility of the leaders to make sure the progress is not derailed or reversed.

He urged the leaders to aim higher and not be comfortable with the status quo.

"Why stop at 7 per cent growth rate? There are things that are in our control that we can fix and grow faster,” he said.

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