In an interview with journalists from Rwanda Broadcasting Agency on June 17, 2024, President Kagame was told that after the achievements in various sectors including health, agriculture, and sports, the Rwandan voter of 2024 desires a leader who will deliver even more.
Journalist Cleophas Barore asked, "What would you say to a Rwandan who is used to receiving all these good things, is it possible? What should they expect in the coming years beyond what you have already delivered?"
President Kagame responded that all the achievements so far were made possible by the participation of Rwandans, which gives hope that more will come. He said, "What I would first tell Rwandans is that we need to build on the recent history of what we have already achieved. The beauty of this is that it shows what is possible. Once you see what is possible and realize it comes from within, from the Rwandans, what would stop you from achieving even greater things and reaching further, to a better future?"
The Head of State explained that when Rwandans have played a role in the achievements, it is easier to show them examples of what is possible. He said, "It is easy; it is like teaching someone by showing them an example of what is possible, and indeed they played a part in it without even realizing it. You show them how they were involved, that they made it possible, with additional support from aid and external support, it does not remove the fact that it started with them."
President Kagame said that as Rwanda’s economy grows at a rate exceeding 8%, Rwandans wish for even more because they want to go further, and to achieve that, there are issues that need to be addressed.
Regarding the achievements, he said, "That’s how it should be; we have not yet reached a point where we can be satisfied with our progress, even though we are making strides. The economy is growing at more than 8%, people want to work, they want to move fast, they want to go far, you keep feeling that this is not enough. If it’s 8%, you ask why not 9%, why not 10% or more? The first thing you look at is the remaining issues to be solved."
Regarding electricity, President Kagame said that even if it has reached 70 to 80% of the country, people should ask why the remaining 20% has not been covered.
He said, "Campaigning, being re-elected as President, we have the opportunity to say that there are things we have done in the past years. Others also have things they have done or want to be known for, and they even want to do more, that’s why they come forward, seeking the opportunity to lead the country. That is their right. But the other right is for the citizens, to choose based on what they have seen, what they have participated in."
The Head of State stated that what could have been achieved but wasn’t during the current term, he plans to do in collaboration with Rwandans. He emphasized that the appreciation from citizens will not stop him from thinking about doing more.
He said, "In my thoughts and actions, what was possible but not done in the past term, I must do it, adding more things that correspond to the current time. It’s about advancing for everyone and for those who will be voting. We have reached this point; can we contribute more to accelerate the progress? Even if I am praised for having done good things, couldn’t I do even more?"
In this election, Paul Kagame, representing the RPF Inkotanyi, will compete against Dr. Frank Habineza of the DGPR (Green Party) and independent candidate Mpayimana Philippe. These candidates also competed in the 2017 presidential election.
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