President of the Republic, Paul Kagame, has expressed concern over the increasing breakdown of families in Rwanda and around the world, emphasizing that a stable family is the foundation of a strong and sustainable nation. He made these remarks while attending the National Prayer Breakfast, which coincided with Rwanda’s Heroes Day.
President Kagame noted that the coincidence of the National Prayer Breakfast and Heroes Day carries deep significance, as it reminds Rwandans of where they came from, what they went through, and the responsibility they bear to protect the achievements made. He stressed that commemorating heroes should not be limited to remembering history alone but should also prompt Rwandans to reflect on their present lives and future.
President Kagame emphasized that the individual, the family, and the nation are inseparably linked. He stated that a country cannot develop if its citizens and their families are not well. He said, “If we are not well as individuals, our families cannot be well. And if individuals and families are not well, I do not see how the country can be well.”
He focused particularly on the issue of broken marriages, stating that it should not be normal for two people who chose to live together to fail to resolve their differences and opt for separation without first seeking solutions. He highlighted that living together requires patience, dialogue, and the willingness to admit mistakes, rather than choosing separation as the first option.
“How do two people fail to live together? People must learn to tolerate one another. When a problem arises, they should face each other, talk, and correct what can be corrected, instead of rushing into separation.” Said the president Kagame.
President Kagame criticized the mindset of running away from problems, noting that those who choose to leave their partners often believe they will find something better elsewhere, yet problems exist everywhere. He pointed out that separation is rarely a lasting solution and instead deepens wounds within families, affects children, and harms Rwandan society as a whole.
He further emphasized the critical role of the family in raising children and youth. He urged parents and guardians to dedicate enough time to talking with their children, especially in a time marked by many temptations and the negative effects of relationships that contradict Rwandan values.
“When I talk about children, I don’t mean only young ones, even those aged 20. There are many temptations, many pressures to become something you are not. Parents and elders must help guide people and show them the right path.” He said.
President Kagame also addressed the issue of people failing to accept who they are, describing it as one of the reasons individuals and families become weak. He said everyone should accept who they are and strive to improve themselves, rather than trying to imitate others or change what they were not created to be.
“Do not make the mistake of trying to be someone else. You should be who you are. How you were created is yours. Focus on improving yourself and making yourself better.” He advised.
He added that even at the national level, it is impossible to change a country according to personal desires, as it has its own history and foundations. He urged Rwandans to learn from their past experiences and use them as lessons to build a better future.
President Kagame concluded by emphasizing that Rwandans who are alive today have a responsibility to live in a way that honors the life they were given, because those who sacrificed their lives for the country did not die in vain. He stressed that building stable families based on trust, patience, and dialogue is one of the keyways to safeguard the nation of Rwanda.
