Kigali — On Monday the swearing in ceremony marked yet another milestone in the history of Rwanda. Like the president said in his inaugural speech Rwandans made their choice, in the most emphatic and unequivocal manner, when they voted in the August 9 presidential polls by freely exercising their inalienable right to make decisions for themselves.
At Amahoro stadium there was a lot worth writing home about. The fact that we hosted more than a dozen Heads of state to witness history in the making was just enough to send a message to our critics.
However, there is a lot that President Kagame said, that was probably left out by the foreign press, but worth noting.
For more than a decade and a half now, the people of Rwanda have increasingly come together as one, to determine and shape their destiny. The President noted that we have demonstrated our willingness to put national interest above all else, through a clear vote for unity, reconciliation and socioeconomic transformation.
The President pointed out that the country was able to support hundreds of thousands of widows and repatriated over three million refugees who were successfully reintegrated into society.
Over time and with progress made, we have redefined ourselves and are determined to forge ahead. It is against this background, that we can't comprehend those who want to give us lessons on tolerance and human rights. We will determine our destiny.
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Like you all determined your destiny a decade ago, with machetes and bullets. give us a break! People voted for kagame because they were afraid, simple as that.
Is this to Rwanda what legitimacy is all about? Where was the opposition? What happened to Victoire Ingabire? Common, you can't fool anyone anymore. This happens only in Rwanda with a population with no access to info and governed with fear.
What was proved in an emphatic way is that dictatorial methods are working well in Rwanda and the world does not care.
That some african Head of State are still ready to spend taxpayer's money on trips to congratulate a fellow Head of State whose repressive methods have succeeded in giving him more than 90% in an election is sad for AFRICA and not something to be proud of. As General Nyamwasa, one time close friend of Kagame, said, if there is only one person in the 21st century who embodies all the aspirations of Rwanda and only capable of realising them then Rwanda is in serious trouble.
The voting rsults remind us of the former socialist republics, North Korea and Iraq. In 2002 elections in Iraq, that is one year before Iraq was invaded, he received 100% of the votes, Late President Habyarimana of Rwanda received 99.98 % of the votes and Kagame and his group invaded Rwanda less than 2 years later and one of the claims is that there was no democracy. The people had enphatically made their will known but Kagame stared a war to remove him. In reality this should be classified as a crime against peace?
As to the fact that the presence of more than 12 African Heads of State, the message is clear: AFRICA is still the sick man of the planet.
How can they go to congratulate someone who clearly refused any dissenting voice to stand and compete? Someone whose army ( he is the commander in chief) is alleged to have committed the most heneous crimess ?
What about President Kabila? The Rwandan army is largely responsible directly and indirectly for the death of 6 million of its population. Israel invaded Lebanon because two of its soldiers had been kidnapped by Hamas militiants; for Kabila 6 million dead of his people, more than half the popuation of Rwanda, more than the population of Gabon, Congo Brazzavile, Togo, Tchad (all their Presidents were theere). He proudly parades as President. Who can take African Presidents seriously? It is just sad. The Presidents of Uganda and Tanzania ( neighbours) and South Africa (formerly strong ally of the regime) were wise to be absent. Congratulations. They saved the image of Africa.