He made these remarks during the closing ceremony of the 18th Unity Club Intwararumuri Forum (“Inkera y’Abahizi”) on Saturday, November 8, which was attended by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, government officials, and members of Unity Club Intwararumuri.

On the culture of dependence, President Kagame said: “Tell me, in all parts of the world you know, give me an example of a country whose people were saved by non-governmental organizations? Or has anyone ever been saved by begging, and that begging doesn’t embarrass them or the one they are asking, who looks at them as if they owe something?”

He also addressed issues of national security, making clear that Rwanda had long ago drawn its red line:

“Some of these agreements are full of deceit. In everything we do, in what we say, in how we live with others, in how we fight with others, we drew our line long ago. That is to say, anything that threatens Rwanda will not be tolerated.”

Emphasizing personal responsibility, the President added: “The reason you choose how you want to live is not so that your life, your well-being, or your survival depends on others. You are always waiting for others to save you. But if that happens, why don’t they also watch you to survive? Or why doesn’t everyone look at each other to see what could help them survive?”

On the role of leadership and citizens in Rwanda’s progress, he noted: “Where Rwanda is today and where it came from is the result of leaders and citizens playing their part, but everyone should always reflect on the contribution they make individually.”

The Unity Club Intwararumuri, founded by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, brings together current and former Rwandan leaders and their spouses to promote unity, integrity, and responsible leadership.

The forum provides a platform for discussion on personal responsibility, national development, and transformational leadership, reflecting the values highlighted in President Kagame’s speech.