MUHANGA - President Paul Kagame, has applauded the collaboration between the army and other citizens in various socio-economic activities that have boosted the welfare of the Rwandan people.

Kagame, made the remarks, yesterday, after inspecting works carried out by the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) in Muhanga District, during the ongoing Army Week.

While addressing thousands of excited residents of Muhanga, the President said that the army would not have succeeded in carrying out the work, had it not been for the good partnership with the people.

He reminded the residents that soldiers are their children, relatives, parents and friends, adding that being soldiers does not place them out of the community.

The President pointed out that it should not come as a surprise for the army to partner with the communities, since it’s their obligation to work for Rwandans.

He stressed that the military should go beyond its primary mission and use the professional skills of its members to contribute to national development.

Kagame underscored the need for sustainable development in the country, and reminded the citizens that, one of the ways of realizing development is by embracing partnerships and having a clear understanding of the policies in place.

The President added that the Rwandan people should be fed-up with living in poverty, famine and illiteracy.  He pointed out that Rwanda has been getting aid for many years, and wondered why they continued to live in poverty, if aid worked.

President Kagame noted that Rwandans have now realized that their role in development is critically important for their welfare.

He observed that partnership and self confidence is equally a vital path to development.

The President told Muhanga residents that Rwandans are increasingly acquiring life skills that are helping them achieve development and better standards of living.

President Kagame emphasized that Rwanda will not fail to achieve what is good for its people, adding that Rwandans cannot allow anybody to destroy what they have already realized.

Prior to his meeting with residents of Muhanga, the President was taken through RDF community outreach programmes, at Kabgayi Hospital, where hundreds have been treated during the Army Week. Patients at the hospital gave various testimonies of how the army’s medical activities have changed their lives.

Venancia Singirankabo, who has been blind for the past ten years could not hold her excitement on seeing President Kagame for the first time.

"I want to thank you for having sent us the army to help us; I personally had no hope of opening my eyes. Thank you for rescuing me,” Singirankabo told the President.

Residents hailed President Kagame for his good leadership and for transforming the Rwandan society for the better.

The Governor of the Southern Province, Fidèle Ndayisaba, informed the President that the army week activities have played a significant role in eliminating grass thatched houses, which have been a major problem in the province.

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