President Kagame spoke boldly at the big memory event held in Rwanda. He told Western countries they could go away if they wanted to put sanctions on Rwanda. He feels these nations sat back during the mass killings years ago but want to boss Rwanda around today. The president believes Rwandans must live freely without letting outside powers control them. He wants every citizen to keep this fighting spirit each day. These words came as foreign governments pushed against Rwanda because they thought it helped rebel fighters in nearby Congo.
America plus other European nations have started or talked about making special rules against Rwanda. They claim the country backs the M23 group, which took land in North Kivu. Rwanda always says no to these claims. They explain they are just protecting themselves from the FDLR group. This dangerous gang started with people who did the 1994 killings against Tutsi people. The president made clear Rwanda will keep guarding its people no matter what pressure comes from other countries. He stressed that Rwandans never need permission from anybody about how they should exist.
Foreign messengers have warned Kagame personally about talking back to powerful nations. They said such behavior might put his life at risk. The president responded that this warning proves these countries kill people. He asked why he should accept being scared when doing nothing means certain death anyway. He asked all Rwandans this same question - why not fight back instead of dying helplessly? Earlier that same day, the president plus his wife placed flowers at the memory place in Kigali. They lit the special fire that started the hundred-day memory time.
More than one million people died during those terrible months in 1994. The president explained that peace exists today because Rwanda stands ready to defend itself. He said bad things might stop happening again, but not because evil people changed their minds. Peace stays because Rwandans will rise against threats. The difference between past times versus right here today comes from readiness. Before, many stayed quiet during attacks. Today, people prepare themselves for any danger that might appear. Every year, this memory period helps people remember what happened.
The ceremony brings many citizens together across the whole country. They share stories about loved ones lost long ago. Community leaders talk about building unity between different groups. Young people learn lessons from history to make sure such hate never returns. Schools hold special classes explaining how normal neighbors turned violent against each other. Churches pray for those who died plus healing for survivors who carry deep scars inside. The president wants Rwanda to face forward with strength rather than fear. His message rings clear - nobody will ever make Rwandans victims again.
America plus other European nations have started or talked about making special rules against Rwanda. They claim the country backs the M23 group, which took land in North Kivu. Rwanda always says no to these claims. They explain they are just protecting themselves from the FDLR group. This dangerous gang started with people who did the 1994 killings against Tutsi people. The president made clear Rwanda will keep guarding its people no matter what pressure comes from other countries. He stressed that Rwandans never need permission from anybody about how they should exist.
Foreign messengers have warned Kagame personally about talking back to powerful nations. They said such behavior might put his life at risk. The president responded that this warning proves these countries kill people. He asked why he should accept being scared when doing nothing means certain death anyway. He asked all Rwandans this same question - why not fight back instead of dying helplessly? Earlier that same day, the president plus his wife placed flowers at the memory place in Kigali. They lit the special fire that started the hundred-day memory time.
More than one million people died during those terrible months in 1994. The president explained that peace exists today because Rwanda stands ready to defend itself. He said bad things might stop happening again, but not because evil people changed their minds. Peace stays because Rwandans will rise against threats. The difference between past times versus right here today comes from readiness. Before, many stayed quiet during attacks. Today, people prepare themselves for any danger that might appear. Every year, this memory period helps people remember what happened.
The ceremony brings many citizens together across the whole country. They share stories about loved ones lost long ago. Community leaders talk about building unity between different groups. Young people learn lessons from history to make sure such hate never returns. Schools hold special classes explaining how normal neighbors turned violent against each other. Churches pray for those who died plus healing for survivors who carry deep scars inside. The president wants Rwanda to face forward with strength rather than fear. His message rings clear - nobody will ever make Rwandans victims again.
