Rwandans speak out on RPF Silver Jubilee

Rwandans have over the last 18 years endorsed the capacity of Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) to steer the country to prosperity. With support of the population, the Party under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, has transformed the country into one of the fastest growing countries in Africa. As the Party celebrates its 25th Anniversary today, The New Times’ Jean d’Amour Mbonyinshuti spoke to a cross section of Rwandans about their view of the Party’s performance.Jeanette Ntakirutimana , 27, a nurse, resident of KimironkoRPF helped Rwandans a lot and in various sectors. Personally, I wouldn’t be the way I am now without the RPF liberation intervention. It took us from darkness and saved me as well as other Rwandans from death during 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.My appeal is that government creates more jobs as the number of educated Rwandans is increasing but the employment rate is down.Steven Musoni, a cashier at Rwanda Commercial Bank I have achieved too much under the RPF leadership; I have got free education and did various projects which ran smoothly. Education, health and livelihood of Rwandans in general have been improved. What is necessary now is to sustain the achievements in all sectors. We project to achieve more in times ahead.Felix Gasana, 23, from Nyaruguru district, and a News paper vendor in Kigali We are secure due to the efforts of the RPF as the ruling party. Although I didn’t go to school, I found another way to survive. My brothers and sisters are well educated thanks to the RPF which provided them free education and some have got jobs. Development in all sectors is visible, including infrastructure, health, education, commerce among other sectors. What is needed is to help people get jobs and encourage banks to lend money to cooperatives and individuals.Venuste Mutuyimana 35, a resident of Gatsata sector.We have achieved a lot. Rwanda is now safe; nobody could expect the progress we have now. We have achieved unity and reconciliation in a very short time. I personally see a positive change thanks to RPF leadership. I have been able to do my small business and bought the motorcycle which generates money for my family. Rwanda is secure, roads have been built and upgraded and we work at any time all through thanks to that good leadership. There is a need to keep encouraging people to work hard while supporting them in terms of capital, keep up the anti-graft stance.Diane Uwase, 25, a university students and resident at RemeraI am proud of what RPF has achieved in 25 years. Rwandans have reconciled with one another and the country is peaceful. I couldn’t expect this achievement after I studied history of other countries where genocide had taken place. I doubted that Rwandans would reconcile. So reconciliation is the greatest achievement. Women are now free, they occupy leadership positions which were like a dream in the past. And girls have equal access to education as boys.Dyna Intaramirwa, 26, a resident of Nyamirambo suburbRPF played a big role in the liberation of Rwanda. Personally, RPF found me in a refugee camp during the 994 Genocide against the Tutsi. I owe my life to RPF efforts; after that I went to school under its support through FARG (the fund that supports Genocide survivors), and I have now completed studies and I expect a better life in the future. RPF should keep fostering unity and reconciliation so that all nations should learn from it.Mathilde Uwingabiye 29, a security guard with EGESPRO Security CompanyI completed school and I am now employed. I am safe at any time and any where, it is a big achievement of RPF and every Rwandan must be proud of the peace the country enjoys.However, there is need to boost national economy so as to improve the livelihood of all Rwandans.Musonera Deogratias, 53, a businessman Rwanda has achieved a lot in various sectors thanks to RPF. RPF has united Rwandans. This was a big task considering the wounds left behind by the Genocide. It opened schools to all and encouraged people to do business.Doing business is now easy across the country and borders are open to every body. Now education is open to every Rwandan and it’s almost free, banks have been encouraged to support small and medium businesses.Rwanda is on the right path of development. What is required is to continue with RPF good leadership and fight against anyone who may intend to cause any kind of insecurity to the country while integrating those who have been misled.