The former President of Ghana, John Kufuor, has praised Rwanda’s progress in peace building, saying that the country registered impressive achievements in restoring peace since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The former President of Ghana, John Kufuor, has praised Rwanda’s progress in peace building, saying that the country registered impressive achievements in restoring peace since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
President Kufour made the remarks at Kigali International Airport upon his arrival in the country.
He is here at the invitation of the Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace (IRDP), a local research think-tank that promotes unity.
"I have always wanted an opportunity to come to Rwanda and fortunately I was invited by IRDP to participate in the peace conference,” he said.
Speaking about how the world perceives of Rwanda in terms of security, the former President said that the country is considered as very secure, peaceful and stable.
"I believe Rwanda is perceived, around the world, as a country that pulled itself from the ashes of conflict to stability, peace and progress. This should serve as an object lesson for all other countries torn by conflicts,” he said.
"If people are committed and sincere, they can overcome conflict and live in peace.”
President Kufour said that he is not in Rwanda to offer a lecture on peace since the country is already on the right track, but to encourage the nation to maintain what it has put up so far.
"Rwanda has done it already, I am not here to lecture; I am here to encourage people to maintain the genuine total peace.”
The Director of IRDP, Prof. Pierre Rwanyindo, said that two years ago, his institute conducted a research on how far Rwanda has gone in restoration of peace.
"President Kufour is here for the launch of the finding of this research we conducted which will also be unveiled to Rwandans,” said Prof. Rwanyindo.
RDP conducts research on issues ranging from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, unity, understanding democracy and the rule of law.
Its findings and recommendations are normally handed over to the government and members of the civil society.
President Kufuor is the Chairman of the Interpeace Governing Council, an international peace building organization.
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