Rewrite the Story: A Call for Unity, Truth, and Ownership of Rwanda’s Future.

Fellow Rwandans, brothers and sisters,

“For too long, Rwanda’s story has been shaped by division—but today, we choose to rewrite it through unity, truth, and the courage to take responsibility for our future.”

Today, I stand before you not only to reflect on our past, but to confront our present—and to boldly claim our future. A future that belongs to all of us. A future that demands our courage, our unity, and our responsibility.

Since the creation of Rwanda as a sovereign nation, the manipulation of ethnic identity has too often been used as a political weapon. From the monarchy, through successive republics, and even today, division has been cultivated rather than healed. And the cost has been devastating—measured in mistrust, instability, and the suffering of our people.

Under the leadership of Paul Kagame, serious questions remain about governance, unity, and the true direction of our nation. Regional tensions, including involvement in conflicts beyond our borders, have only deepened the burden carried by ordinary citizens.

But let us also speak truth with honesty and courage.

The opposition—especially those in exile—has not yet risen to meet this moment. Division, mistrust, and competing ambitions have weakened what should be a force of hope. Without unity, there can be no change. Without a shared vision, there can be no victory for democracy.

Rwanda does not belong to one group, one party, or one ideology.

Rwanda belongs to its people. All its people.

And it is time we begin building a nation rooted in equality, justice, and accountability. A nation where the law serves everyone equally. A nation where leadership is respected—not feared. A nation where every citizen has a voice in shaping the future.

We have seen what is possible. In South Africa, during the struggle against apartheid, people came together—across divisions—to build a constitution that reflected the will of the people. That spirit of unity and courage must inspire us.

Rwandans must take ownership of Rwanda.

A people-driven constitutional process is not optional—it is essential.

And reconciliation—true reconciliation—must go deeper than words. It cannot be imposed, and it cannot be superficial. It must be honest. It must be inclusive. It must allow every voice to be heard, and every wound to be acknowledged.

Let us also remember this: no foreign power will come to rescue us.

History has made that clear. The responsibility lies with us. With Rwandans.

This is why I call upon the youth—at home and across the diaspora:

Rise.

Engage.

Question.

Challenge.

Lead.

You are not the leaders of tomorrow—you are the leaders of today.

Thirty years is a long time.

Thirty years of pain.

Thirty years of division.

Thirty years of missed opportunity.

But it is not too late.

The future is still unwritten.

To those in opposition, I say this: put aside your differences. Learn from the past. Unite—not for personal ambition, but for the generations that will come after us.

Because in unity, we rise.

And in unity, we will build a Rwanda that is just, democratic, and truly free.

“When a people choose unity over division, courage over fear, and purpose over self-interest—no force can stop them from building a nation that is truly free.”

Thank you.

President of RNC Foundation and Chairman of Rwanda National Congress