A TRUST RENEWED; A PROMISE REGIVEN
As Rwandans say, Imihigo irakomeje. The inauguration of
president Paul Kagame is a continuation of the trust Rwandans have in him and
his realization of the promises he gave to Rwandans.
It was an event that was attended by tens of thousands of
Rwandans and guests from different countries in Africa. Beyond being ana event
it was a celebration of Rwanda seeing the one they chose being sworn in as the
president. To them it is a trust they have in him and He also gave them a
promise to guide them in development they are looking forward to reach.
The inauguration is not only a ceremony but also a showcase
of proudness Rwandans have in themselves and their institution especially the
army. The military parade is one of the remarkable activity that steals the
attention of the attendees but also, we can’t forget the performance of the national
ballet Urukerereza.
Before assuming office, the President of the Republic
publicly takes oath before the President of the Supreme Court. The President of
the Republic takes the oath of office within 30 days following his or her
election. His or her oath of office is administered by the President of the
Supreme Court. The elected president in the oath as provided in article 102 of
the constitution of Rwanda. He solemnly swears to remain loyal to the Republic
of Rwanda; observe and defend the Constitution and other laws; diligently
fulfil responsibilities entrusted to him; preserve peace and national
sovereignty; consolidate national unity; never use the powers conferred upon
him for personal interests; strive for the interests of all Rwandans. Before
asking the help of God at the end of the oath, he admits that if he fails to
honour the oath, he may be subjected to the rigours of the law.[1]
In his inaugural address on 11 August 2024 president Paul
Kagame, made some[2]
promises after thanking Rwandans who put trust and confidence in him. He
highlighted that, over the past three decades, what Rwandans have managed to
accomplish is more than what was expected. He added that it is beyond what
words can describe, given where we started from. Our tragic past ignited a fire
in each one of us: a fire of hope, resilience, and justice. This is who we have
become as Rwandans.
He promised hard work saying that ‘’ Our focus now returns to the future.
For the last thirty years, our country has been a good work-in-progress. This
new mandate means the beginning of even more hard work.’’ Since he came to
power in 200, hard work was the main motivation to change Rwanda for better.
Before he was even elected, he was the promising candidate.
Numbers in the campaign rallies spoke for themselves. He reflected on it by
saying that throughout the campaign, it was always humbling to hear the slogan
“Ni wowe”, meaning “It’s you”. He added that actually, in reality, it is not him alone, ni
mwebwe, ni twese — it’s all of us.[3]
In his address he added that the focus now returns to the future. He reflected
on the last thirty years, saying that our country has been a good
work-in-progress. Then he made a promise that the new mandate means the beginning of even more
hard work. He gave even a challenge of doing even better than we have done. He
added that expectation to keep improving is not a dream, it is realistic. We
can do it, and we will do it. Above all, we will be together. After taking the
oath, the president gives inaugural-address, in this address he reflects on the
achievements and gives more promises to make Rwanda a more better place.
Back in 20217, in his inaugural speech, he also reflected
also on the trust he was[4]
given and gave more promises. The campaigns even then was a reflection of that
trust people have in him. President Kagame particularly highlighted the
enthusiasm and emotion expressed throughout the campaign, which he said are
rooted in Rwanda’s realities. “Every attempt that was made, whether from within
and especially from outside, to denigrate the process and glorify the old
politics of division, only made Rwandans more defiant and more determined to
express ourselves through the vote. All along, we have had to fight to protect
our right to do what is best for us, and we will, without any doubt, continue
to do so. In this regard, Rwanda is not an exception. Every African country has
to contend with efforts to force us to live on someone else’s terms. They demand
that we replace systems that are working well for us with dogmas in which their
own people are rapidly losing faith.” In his speeches especially the inaugural
ones, he doesn’t miss a chance to show to the rest African nations that what Rwanda
achieved is even more possible to them and they can do better. Rwanda’s
polictics gives hope that African can do better. We tend to see people in other
African nations loose trust to their leadwers especially the presidents due to
loosing trust in the people. In Rwanda as years go by president Kagame gains
more popularity due to delivering promises he gave to the people of Rwanda.
Election results reflects thr trust people have in him and the oath plus
inaugural speeches reflects promises he gives to the people of Rwanda for a
better future to come.
Back in 2010, in his inaugural speech, he also reflected on
the renewed trust and[5]
confidence. He said that he was greatly
honoured by the renewed trust and
confidence; and mindful of the responsibility bestowed upon him by the people
of Rwanda , to lead the country in this
new mandate, and the new challenges that come with it. He pledged to do his
best, as he has always done, in order to meet Rwandans’ expectations. He also reflected on the trust
people gave him through the election by how they made their choice in the most
emphatic and unequivocal manner. They freely exercised their inalienable right
to make decisions for themselves, especially those that most affect their
lives. It is this will of our people that is the sole basis for the authority
of government. He added that for more than a decade and a half now, the people
of this country have increasingly come together as one, to determine and shape
their destiny. They demonstrated their willingness to put national interest
above all else, through a clear vote for unity, reconciliation and
socio-economic transformation.
The promises he gave which were delivered in the highest percentage
possible are;[6] continuing
to ensure food security; provide better
education and health for all; promote trade and investment; and build modern
infrastructure that responds to the direct needs of the citizens, including access to clean water, and
energy to power homes, schools, health centres and industry. He also promised
to promote economic and political participation of all our citizens, as well as
deepen empowerment of our women and girls; and ensure that the people have the skills necessary to succeed in
a competitive world. He also promised to advance regional integration, and
nurture good relations with our neighbours, because of sharing the similar aspirations and continue
to work for the wider integration of the continent.
Back in 2003 he promised to improve the justice system, boost
the economy and continue to build the unity of Rwandans. "We have built
the foundation, now is the time to redouble our efforts to fulfil our pledges
in the next seven years and beyond," he said. "We shall institutionalize
fairness and justice for all our citizens, for they are the pillars of the new
democratic order."[7]
In 2004 he did so. That’s when Rwanda witnessed the judicial reform famously
known as the 2004 judicial reform that revolutionized the whole judicial
system. The economy has witnessed positive changes since then.
In 2000 it was the start of the whole journey, Kagame led the
transitional government for three years before he was elected in 2003, in the
country’s first general election.
When it comes to the president of the republic, the
assignment is more of being the overall manager of the country. After being
elected the oath and the inaugural speech are one of the records that will be
used to see what the president promised and how he delivered his promises.
This year he
promised hard work, as we are heading into the vision 2050, the past records
proves us that as long as we work together as a nation nothing can stop us.
[1] Official
Gazette n° Special of 04/08/2023; CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA
[2] https://www.paulkagame.com/presidential-inauguration-2024-inaugural-address-by-president-kagame-kigali-11-august-2024/
[3]
IDEM
[6]
IDEM
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