Editor, RE: “In defence of strong men” (The New Times, December 15). The only lament those who continuously feign concern for President Paul Kagame’s legacy should he agree to run again as the overwhelming majority of his fellow Rwandans are demanding is not being able to see his immediate departure from Rwanda’s leadership. Their impatience for his departure is simply palpable and has been from the moment it became obvious his goal was to promote and to safeguard his country’s interests without compromise. Ironically – or perhaps not so surprisingly – the more they push for him to leave, the more fiercely Rwandans become determined to keep him as their leader, especially given the extraordinary record of achievements our country has achieved under his leadership. Rwandans’ sense of acute self-interest and an irresistible emotional attachment seem to converge perfectly on holding on to Kagame’s leadership. Mwene Kalinda
