Through ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’, we have a chance to reclaim our identity

Editor, After reading the article, “What does ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ mean to you?” (The New Times, December 3), I wish to share my own understanding of the ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ programme. Ndi Umunyarwanda is a necessary and homegrown solution that will eventually lead to full unity and reconciliation among Rwandans. It is a call that reminds every Rwandan that, first and foremost, we are human beings and then Rwandan. Being Rwandan itself is not enough, you should be characterised by the Rwandan spirit and values; must be honest, tolerant, humble, patriotic, and considerate of general interests before your own… I fully support this initiative and I am ready to contribute to its success. MP Jean-Marie Vianney Gatabazi, Kigali ********************* Editor, In my view, Ndi Umunyarwanda means giving value where value matters. As rightly put by the Prime Minister, Pierre-Damien Habumuremyi, no Rwandan gets services because they are Hutu, Tutsi or Twa, but rather as a Rwandan. If explained well in business sense, I don’t think anyone benefits in having business with one section of society. The market is bigger once you have all the 12 million Rwandans on board. And truthfully, even if we were to refer to Hutu, Tutsi and Twa as ethnic groups, they do not match the definition. An ethnic group needs to have its own language and culture, but for our case, we are completely the same; not even the often cited physical traits will help you distinguish one group from the other. Through Ndi Umunyarwanda, we are reclaiming our lost identity and our society fabric for the rightful reason and for the better of posterity. Richie, Kigali ********************* Editor, If I may chip in, Ndi Umunyarwanda means that it doesn’t matter what ethnic group I belong to. I should see myself as Rwandan and contribute to the wellbeing of my society. Belonging to any of the ethnic groups won’t pay for a ring; neither will it buy you anything. If being Hutu, Tutsi or Twa was converted into francs or gold, the genocidaires would have all the riches their pockets would hold. Clément Kabiligi

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Through ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’, we have a chance to reclaim our identity