Paul Kagame (middle) in a pose with other dignitaries after the swearing-in ceremony
Source: Africa Publicity
President Paul Kagame on Friday called for greater accountability and urgency in implementing national policies, emphasizing that well-written plans must translate into tangible results. He was speaking in Kigali during the swearing-in ceremony of new members of the Rwandan Senate.
“Our policies often look good on paper, in documents. But the most essential thing is ensuring that these well-crafted ideas are implemented,” President Kagame said. “They must not remain just written documents.”
The Head of State challenged leaders to constantly question delays and failures in execution. “People must constantly ask why actions that were urgent and had resources allocated to them, even if limited, were not implemented as they should have been,” he noted.
President Kagame underscored the need for integrity, diligence, and accountability across all levels of leadership. “Our drive and commitment must lead us to act swiftly, do the right things and to hold those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities accountable,” he said. “Answers must be provided so that mistakes are not repeated.”
Reflecting on Rwanda’s broader challenges, the President spoke about the pressures the country faces both internally and externally. “Many of the things Rwanda goes through are difficult. Some challenges are internal, others come from outside,” he said. “Even when a neighbour makes a mistake and causes a problem, Rwanda is the one that pays the price and is held accountable. That is our burden.”
He urged the newly sworn-in senators to approach their responsibilities with a deep understanding of Rwanda’s unique context. “You must be fully aware of this, and let it shape the way you work, not in the ordinary, day-to-day manner of those who are not affected by such challenges,” Kagame said. “We face a double burden: we are held accountable for our own actions, and also for those of others.”
Concluding his address, the President called for resilience and unity in the face of adversity. “That is the reality. Rather than sit back and complain, we must draw strength from within ourselves to confront and overcome these challenges,” he said.
