Five Standout Quotes from Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s Session at Global Citizen NOW

This year Global Citizen NOW once again succeeds in bringing together enthusiastic, action-oriented, change-makers from across the globe. In a virtual conversation co-presented by OkayAfrica, veteran journalist and Areya Media (OkayAfrica’s parent company) CEO Isha Sesay hosted Rwanda President Paul Kagame, to discuss the Kwibuka 30 initiative - a 100-day commemoration of the killings during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi - how a country’s past doesn’t define its people, and why music is so important for economic growth.

Here are four standout quotes from their discussion at the 2024 Global Citizen NOW:

Reflections on 30 years since the genocide against the Tutsi

April 7th marked 30 years since the Genocide [against the Tutsi], and the wounds are still very deep. Rwanda chose peace, unity, and reconciliation. Our tragic past does not define who we are as a people. Has the world learnt the lessons? Unfortunately, I’m inclined to say no. To this day, perpetrators and supporters are attempting to rewrite the facts about our history. With social media, this trend is becoming even worse. On the global stage we're seeing more and more radicalisation and extremism. Many times, powerful countries deliberately choose to do nothing, and yet, there is a lot of lecturing on human rights, and so many things. What happened to us can happen to anyone else. We shouldn’t take for granted our responsibility to ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not an empty slogan.

What helped Rwanda move from a state of crisis to stability

We have to bear in mind what caused the genocide - the politics of division and tribalism. That’s why we chose to stay together and put the interests of all Rwandans first. Unity is the best investment we have ever made. We also prioritize the building [of] strong institutions that are accountable to our people. For us, self reliance is improving standards of living and delivering quality services for all Rwandans. Self reliance is also a general mindset of taking responsibility for our future. No one owes us a living.... Our hope is that the leaders will do more and better than us.

On what he'd have done differently on the path to stability

Being where we are, and seeing what the country has achieved - I can only wait for other people inform us what they [think] we could have been done better. I have no quarrel with anybody criticizing us, but we're the ones trying to do the best for ourselves, and to overcome these difficult circumstances.

Rwanda's recipe for success and economic growth

There's a direct correlation between human capital, economic growth, and stability. Our people come first. That is why we invest heavily in healthcare, education, and the best infrastructure. When you overlook human capital, people begin to search for a better life elsewhere. In the worst case scenario, you have radicalization of young people. At the same time, we remain forward looking by investing in technology and innovation. We have also put in place measures, to attract the brightest African minds to come to Rwanda and test their digital solutions and startups

Rwanda being the first country to host the first ever "Move Afrika" concert

Move Afrika [a Global Citizen campaign to boost economic investment and job creation through a Pan-African music tour] is important for two reasons. Firstly, it is already building the professional workforce needed to support major concert [and] tours. The lasting impact will be seen through greater African contributions to the creative industry, that is worth billions of dollars, and can transform Africa’s economy and also how the rest of the world's young people perceive Africa.

Secondly, the purpose of Move Afrika is to advance a common cause - last year’s focus was building healthcare systems with a focus on community health workers, which, in Rwanda, we take very seriously. Music brings people together. This togetherness, in our complex world, is a strength we must build on.