Rwandan President Paul Kagame has said sustained efforts by external forces to divide Rwanda have failed, insisting that national unity remains a central pillar of the country’s stability nearly three decades after the 1994 genocide. Speaking at the 17th Congress of the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) in Kigali, Kagame argued that attempts to exploit ethnic, political or social differences have repeatedly been rejected by Rwandans, who he said are guided by shared history and tangible post-genocide progress.
The president told party delegates that Rwanda’s cohesion was not accidental but the result of deliberate choices made after one of the darkest chapters in modern history, when more than 800,000 people, mostly Tutsi, were killed in a genocide that also claimed the lives of moderate Hutu. Kagame said the lessons of that period have shaped a collective determination to reject narratives that could reopen old wounds or reverse hard-won gains.
According to Kagame, some foreign actors continue to frame Rwanda through the lens of ethnic division, either misunderstanding or deliberately misrepresenting the country’s post-genocide trajectory. He maintained that such approaches have little resonance among citizens who prioritize peace, security and development over identity politics. He said Rwandans have learned that division weakens the nation and undermines shared aspirations, while unity has enabled recovery and long-term planning.
Kagame linked Rwanda’s political stability to its economic and social progress since 1994, pointing to improvements in health care, education, infrastructure and governance. He said these gains reinforce public confidence in national institutions and reduce the space for divisive rhetoric. In his view, unity has become both a moral commitment and a practical tool for development, allowing the country to focus on growth rather than internal conflict.
The RPF congress brought together party leaders, government officials and supporters to review the party’s direction and reaffirm its ideological foundations. Kagame used the platform to reiterate that reconciliation and shared national identity remain core principles of Rwanda’s governance model. He stressed that remembrance of the genocide is not about perpetuating grievance but about safeguarding the future by ensuring such atrocities never happen again.
The president also warned against complacency, noting that unity requires constant effort, honest leadership and accountability. He said economic pressures, regional instability and global political shifts can test national cohesion if not managed carefully. However, he expressed confidence that Rwanda’s experience has equipped its people to confront these challenges without resorting to division.
Nearly 31 years after the genocide, Rwanda continues to present itself as a case study in post-conflict reconstruction, emphasizing reconciliation, strong state institutions and a narrative of shared citizenship. Kagame’s remarks signal that the government intends to maintain this course, framing unity not only as a historical necessity but as a strategic choice for sustaining peace and development in the decades ahead.
