In a somber ceremony held at Parliament yesterday morning, Rwanda honored the life and legacy of Amb. Col. (Rtd) Dr. Joseph Karemera, a distinguished officer, diplomat, and public servant. President Paul Kagame, First Lady Jeannette Kagame, government officials, military officers, and family members gathered to bid farewell to a man who played a pivotal role in the nation’s history. The state funeral was a reflection of Karemera’s immense contributions to Rwanda, from his days as a founding member of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) to his later service as an ambassador and public health expert.
In his tribute, President Kagame spoke with deep respect and admiration for Karemera, highlighting his unwavering principles and his refusal to succumb to external influences. Karemera, the President emphasized, was a man of integrity who stood firm in his convictions, rooted in the politics of the RPF and the lessons he had learned through life.
“What I appreciate about Karemera is that people tried to influence him; they tried to manipulate him from all sides, attempting to control him as they have done with others. But because of the lessons he had learned from life, because of his character, and because of the [RPF] politics that shaped him and that he played a role in building from the beginning, he stood firm. He could not be swayed. He didn’t allow them to manipulate him. He leaves us knowing that we both knew this. He leaves us honorably,” President Kagame said, reflecting on Karemera’s steadfastness.
Karemera’s contributions extended beyond his military service. As a diplomat and a respected figure in public health, he left a lasting imprint on several sectors critical to Rwanda’s development. His role in the rebuilding of post-genocide Rwanda, both domestically and internationally, was widely acknowledged. In the diplomatic arena, Karemera represented Rwanda with dignity and played a key role in strengthening the country’s international relations, while in the health sector, he was pivotal in advancing public health policies.
President Kagame’s tribute also delved into the broader lessons of life that Karemera exemplified, stressing that the late ambassador lived a life of sacrifice, selflessness, and dedication to his country. The President called upon Rwanda’s youth to draw inspiration from Karemera’s life, urging them to resist external manipulation and to stand strong in their principles.
“It’s never too late to learn lessons of life. Those lessons help you live a good life, a life of sacrifice and selflessness, and do the right things in that life. They are never a waste of time; they remain relevant. As for the struggles we go through in life, those battles will always be there. If you don’t want to fight those battles, I don’t know what you would want to become,” Kagame said.
In a powerful metaphor, President Kagame warned the youth against allowing themselves to become “baskets that collect dirt,” a symbolic reference to the dangers of succumbing to external pressures or moral decay.
“If someone wants to be like a basket that collects dirt, they won’t fight. But if you want to be a worthy person, as everyone in the world should be, those you see out there doing extraordinary things, they are just people too. No one can make you become a basket that collects dirt unless you choose to be one, and being that way is either by choice or foolishness. To all the youth of Rwanda, children of Rwanda, do not become baskets that collect dirt. You have to reject that,” he added.
Karemera’s passing has been felt deeply across the nation, with many reflecting on his enduring legacy. As a key figure in the Rwandan liberation struggle and a trusted voice in the nation’s post-genocide recovery, Karemera was instrumental in shaping Rwanda’s modern trajectory. His influence, particularly within the RPF, was profound, and his legacy will continue to serve as a model for generations to come.
The state funeral was not only a solemn farewell but also a celebration of Karemera’s life and his many achievements. The ceremonial proceedings included military honors, tributes from colleagues, and reflections on the significant role Karemera played in Rwanda’s development. His work as a doctor, ambassador, and army officer was woven into the fabric of Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction, and his leadership in the health sector particularly helped shape Rwanda’s policies in disease prevention and healthcare.
As Rwanda mourns the loss of Amb. Col. (Rtd) Dr. Joseph Karemera, it also honors a man who stood for integrity, resilience, and a vision of a better Rwanda. His contributions to his country will live on, and his steadfastness in the face of pressure serves as an enduring lesson for those who follow in his footsteps.
The legacy of Amb. Col. Karemera serves as a reminder of the enduring strength required to build a nation, the power of standing firm in one’s values, and the importance of guiding future generations with lessons learned through experience and service.
