President Paul Kagame delivered this year’s State of the Nation Address Monday, December 21, reflecting on the past 12 months marred by frantic response to an unprecedented and highly unpredictable pandemic. Usually, the President delivers the annual address during the National Dialogue Council (Umushykirano), but the gathering was called off last week following a spike in coronavirus cases. Considering what has transpired this year you’d have expected the speech to be dominated by highlights of the setbacks caused by the pandemic, painting a rather bleak picture of the economy and other aspects of society. However, the address offered a generally positive outlook, listing some of the key achievements made in key sectors over the last one year, and praised the resilience and a sense of togetherness that have characterised Rwanda’s response to the pandemic. The President paid tribute to healthcare personnel and community health workers, youth volunteers and other frontlines, as well other citizens and residents of Rwanda and the country’s partners in general for playing their respective role in helping deal with the virus and its consequences. Nonetheless, as much as the address offered positive prospects and hailed citizen cooperation, the Head of State was categorical as far as the situation related to Covid-19 is concerned, making clear that more sacrifices are required, including desisting from the temptation to hold gatherings during this festive season. Indeed, any complacency could put the gains made over the last couple of months in jeopardy – and that would come at a great cost! In a post-Address question-and-answer session involving socially distanced journalists and ordinary citizens, gathered at five sites across the country, it was evident that citizens were appreciative of the government’s efforts in different development endeavours. One of the highlights of the session was the fact that citizens were increasingly making their own contributions to better their lives and come to the government to only seek supplementary support to achieve their goals. In particular, the Gicumbi residents who raised more than Rwf360 million toward construction of a milk processing plant in the area and a young woman engaged in aquaculture business in Lake Kivu, Karongi, stood out and should be supported – and emulated. Overall, this year has taught us that a visionary, people-centred leadership does not only inspire trust and loyalty, but it also motivates people to stand up and be counted.
