RPF-Inkotanyi presidential candidate, Paul Kagame, has told voters in Rusizi District that Rwandans have built a strong and resilient country that is capable of facing today’s global challenges. He was yesterday speaking from Gihundwe Sector, where he addressed his second rally in Rusizi District on Day 15 of the presidential campaigns ahead of the presidential elections slated for August 4.

During the rally, he said that his government in the next seven years will continue to focus on inclusive development, once re-elected.

On the August 4 poll, he said: "We will be voting for more unity, development, security, good governance policies, as well as a strengthened democracy”. Kagame emphasised his attention on developing the country further and pledged his government’s focus on that in the next seven years.

He urged citizens to keep working together in their joint quest for development. "We want everyone to contribute and benefit. What we Rwandans want is to move together and faster,” he said. He encouraged Rusizi residents to nurture good relations with neighbouring countries and always strive to leverage their partnerships with them. "Keep up the good relations with your neighbours. Provide them with whatever good things that Rwanda has to offer and complement each other as neighbours.

"But whatever comes from them that is not good for us should be rejected to ensure our security and strong governance,” he said. On Friday, Kagame held two rallies in the district; one in Nyakabuye Sector slightly after midday, and another one in Gihundwe Sector late afternoon. In Gihundwe, thousands of supporters in this part of the district met at Muhari Primary School and welcomed him with songs that expressed their support to him and pledged their contribution in building the country. Among other things, the residents credit the President for having unified the country, built essential infrastructure like roads and schools, brought electricity and water in the area, and fought for the dignity of Rwandans everywhere in the world. "I can’t wait to vote for him. I know this country’s history and I know that Kagame has helped bring Rwandans together after so many years of divisions,” said Jean de Dieu Karangwa, a father of two who makes a living as a mason and farmer. Another resident in the district, Emmanuel Ndagijimana, agrees that Kagame deserves to win the August 4 vote, citing his ability to fulfill his promises and expressing hope that he will be able to build more schools, roads, and create jobs for the unemployed youth once he is back in the top office.

"I believe that he will do a lot more to develop Rwanda because he is capable and has people’s trust,” Ndagijimana said.

The RPF candidate is today expected to hold his last rally in the Western Province in Nyamasheke District. editorial@newtimes.co.rw