President Paul Kagame, on Sunday, August 11, emphasised that the prevalence of peace in the region is Rwanda’s priority, noting that it is not a matter of ‘dished-out favours’, but everyone’s obligation.

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In his inauguration speech, Kagame said that despite being a priority, peace has been lacking, particularly in eastern DR Congo, emphasizing that it cannot be delivered by anyone from anywhere no matter how powerful if the party most directly concerned does not do what is needed.

The event took place at the 45,000-seat Amahoro Stadium filled to its full capacity with attendees including Rwandans from across the country and leaders from various countries who included 22 Heads of State, four Vice Presidents, two Prime Ministers, one Deputy Prime Minister, two Speakers of Parliament, and five leaders of international and regional organizations.

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Kagame thanked Rwandans and guests for their presence, noting that the electoral campaign was a period of joy and satisfaction with millions of Rwandans who voted holding a deeper meaning for the country.

"That reality is undeniable. It stems from the spirit of togetherness among Rwandans and shared determination to be owners of our future. This is exactly what we have been working for all these years. Rather than leaving behind new divisions to be healed, our political process is designed to renew and deepen our unity.”

Over the past three decades, Kagame said, what Rwandans have managed to accomplish is more than what was expected. "Our tragic past ignited a fire in each one of us, the fire of hope, resilience and justice.”

According to him, the intersecting crises that define the region and world continue to create uncertainty and distrust as a result of unaddressed inequalities and double standards.

"Peace in our region is a priority for Rwanda yet, it has been lacking, particularly in eastern DRC but peace cannot be delivered by anyone from anywhere no matter how powerful if the party most directly concerned does not do what is needed. Without that, the sincere mediation efforts by the mandated regional leaders cannot work as intended.”

He thanked the President João Lourenço of Angola and President William Ruto of Kenya, among others, for everything they have done and continue to do in regards to restoring peace in the region.

However, he noted peace cannot happen all on its own but everyone has to do their part and the right things in order to achieve and sustain peace.

"This should not be seen as a favour to anyone. For anyone to do what is needed and for everybody to have peace and rights, it can’t be a matter of favours being dished out to people, it’s an obligation.”

In the end when it doesn’t happen that’s when people stand and fight for it, he added.

"It should be understood as a necessity because it is a question of people’s rights and there cannot be real peace if those rights are not respected. You can’t wake up one day and decide to deny whoever you want their citizenship right and expect to get away with it.”

Kagame highlighted that there has to be a meeting in the middle and a compromise, pointing out that this is the time to reflect on the kind of world in which the children will live in.

Respect of choices

He said that while everything may not be agreed on, everyone has to respect each other’s choices, doing the best in the unique context.

"There is no longer room for the powerful to impose their vision about how others ought to live or create narratives that falsify the truth. This must always be resisted even when under pressure.”

Kagame noted that there is also no possible excuse for injustice wherever it occurs, whether committed against Africans or inflicted by themselves.

"Indeed, we Africans are people who consistently fought injustice, we don’t need any lessons about how to do so and we must all humbly accept the necessity to adapt our political and governance systems to our specific conditions and expectations of our citizens.”

He noted that the essence is for people to live safe, healthy, and dignified lives.

"From security to health, infrastructure, jobs for youth, we are taking responsibility for our challenges and offering solutions. That is the mindset that brings us together and create positive change over time for everyone.”

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The event featured a military parade by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) guard of honor, cultural performances by the national cultural troupe Urukurereza, and musical performances by various local artists.

This term marks the first time Kagame will serve a five-year term, following the 2017 revision of the Rwandan Constitution. Within 15 days of his inauguration, Kagame is expected to appoint the Prime Minister, who will then help in forming the rest of the cabinet within another 15 days.