Kagame urges Rwandans and Africans to reject disrespect and embrace responsibility

President Paul Kagame has called on Rwandans and Africans to reject external disrespect and embrace a mindset of self-respect, responsibility, and evolution, warning that the continent cannot afford to remain stuck in outdated mentalities.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed cabinet members and senior government officials at Urugwiro Village, Kagame criticized what he described as a tendency among Africans to act only when instructed by others.

“The level of disrespect Rwandans and Africans face daily is staggering. But we must ask ourselves: why do we tolerate it? What do we lack to reject it?” Kagame said.

Among the officials sworn in was the new Prime Minister, Justin Nsengiyumva, part of a younger, restructured team the president said reflects a strategic shift in leadership.

“This cabinet reflects a deliberate choice: to empower young people. You are educated, exposed, and aware of our history, so why act like nothing happened?” Kagame asked.

He urged the new leaders to take full ownership of their responsibilities and avoid blame-shifting.

“You should stop blaming others. You have been given the opportunity to lead, use it. Reject the mindset of dependence and complaint. True change starts with self-awareness, values, and belief in your own ability to shape the future.”

Kagame challenged the officials to prioritize the interests of the people they serve, not those of outsiders.

“It’s as if we only do what’s right when we are told to. That mindset has to change. We are not here to serve others’ interests—we serve our people,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of choosing battles wisely, but made clear that the fight for dignity and responsibility is non-negotiable.

“In today’s world, you choose your battles wisely. And these—our dignity, our responsibilities—are battles worth fighting.”

The president concluded by urging Africans to evolve beyond inherited attitudes and historical limitations.

“We cannot remain the same Rwandans, the same Africans, we were 100 or even 50 years ago. We must evolve.”

The remarks come as Rwanda continues to pursue homegrown solutions and assert greater independence in both domestic policy and international partnerships.