First Lady Jeannette Kagame has pledged continued support to Miss Rwanda contestants in the wake of investigations of sexual assault. Mrs Kagame used her Twitter account on Thursday, April 28 to deliver the message saying; “Dear Miss Rwanda contestants, we acknowledge that these are tough times for you.” In the spirit of motherhood and sisterhood, she added, we must persistently emphasise that today and tomorrows right decisions and choices will make you stronger. “May you be liberated by the successes we believe you are capable of, even in the face of adversity. We wish you safety and unwavering resolve as you overcome this precarious period,” she said. Her message came days after the arrest of Dieudonné Ishimwe, CEO of Rwanda Inspiration Backup which organises the Miss Rwanda beauty pageant. Ishimwe, who is popularly known as Prince Kid was arrested on Tuesday, April 26, over sexual abuse towards the contestants on different occasions. Meanwhile, Mrs Kagame hosted Miss Rwanda winners and former contestants at a reception event on Sunday, April 24. During the event, she acknowledged the pressure that comes with Miss Rwanda limelight and and reminded them that that the decisions they make have an impact on what they do. May you be liberated by the successes we believe you are capable of, even in the face of adversity. We wish you safety and unwavering resolve as you overcome this precarious period.” (2/2) - First Lady Mrs Jeannette Kagame#ImbutoEmpowers — First Lady of Rwanda (@FirstLadyRwanda) April 28, 2022 The First Lady told them that the country has high expectations of them, noting that the decisions and choices they make will define who they want to become in their future. “We have high expectations from you. You probably know what is wrong and what is right, but the challenge is always to make the right choice,” she said, adding that “No one can define you, only you are the key to what you choose to become. You are our pride and continue to be, don’t be like you only belong to your families and to the community, you belong to a country.” She also encouraged them to use their platform, their voice and be good ambassadors of their country. “Don’t be absent on social media, speak for this country that shed so much blood for us to be where we are,” she said.
