President Paul Kagame told Africans and the world at large that no one should dictate how they live, emphasizing that when a person chooses to stand up and fight for their rights, they deserve to live a dignified life.

The Head of State made these remarks on Monday, April 7, 2025, during the official launch of the week of mourning and the 100 days of remembrance marking the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

President Kagame thanked all those who joined Rwanda in launching the Kwibuka31 commemorative activities.

He said:"First, I want to thank all of you who are here today to join the nation and Rwandans in remembrance—especially those of you who came from other countries or represent your nations here in Rwanda. I thank you."

President Kagame added  that, today, truth is no longer valued, and lies are given a platform. People no longer seek to know the truth—particularly the truth about Rwanda’s history, which led to the Genocide against the Tutsi.

"The way things are nowadays, truth is no longer the foundation; lies have taken precedence." He pointed out.

Addressing Africans and the global community, President Kagame emphasized that no one should decide how others live. He believes that when someone chooses to stand up and fight for themselves, they should be able to live the life they deserve.

He said:"I don't need to beg someone in order to live. I won't beg anyone. I will fight—if I lose, so be it. But there’s always a chance: when you rise and fight for yourself, you will survive, and we have lived—lived a life that every human being deserves."

On the issue of displaced Congolese citizens, President Kagame questioned how the international community blames Rwanda for a crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while ignoring the root causes.

"It is incomprehensible that Congolese citizens are displaced and forced to flee their country, the DRC, and yet the world turns around and treats it as if it’s Rwanda’s problem."

"Hate speech, killings, people being targeted for who they are, being driven from their homes—we have thousands of people living in camps, displaced from their homes in Congo [...] Initially, they’re received abroad as Congolese refugees. They are not treated as Rwandans. But eventually, the problem is turned around and blamed on me."He added.

President Kagame concluded by stating that what didn’t destroy Rwandans over the past 31 years is what has made them stronger and ready for whatever lies ahead.

He said:"You give us nothing and then come to punish us further. That is the world—caught between the dark history of the past and the bitterness of the present. But what didn’t destroy us over the past 31 years has made us stronger. It prepared us for whatever may come, for those who desire and seek to harm us. I want to assure you—we will not

die without fighting."

President Paul Kagame told Africans and the world at large that no one should dictate how they live, emphasizing that when a person chooses to stand up and fight for their rights, they deserve to live a dignified life.

The Head of State made these remarks on Monday, April 7, 2025, during the official launch of the week of mourning and the 100 days of remembrance marking the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

President Kagame thanked all those who joined Rwanda in launching the Kwibuka31 commemorative activities.

He said:"First, I want to thank all of you who are here today to join the nation and Rwandans in remembrance—especially those of you who came from other countries or represent your nations here in Rwanda. I thank you."

President Kagame added  that, today, truth is no longer valued, and lies are given a platform. People no longer seek to know the truth—particularly the truth about Rwanda’s history, which led to the Genocide against the Tutsi.

"The way things are nowadays, truth is no longer the foundation; lies have taken precedence." He pointed out.

Addressing Africans and the global community, President Kagame emphasized that no one should decide how others live. He believes that when someone chooses to stand up and fight for themselves, they should be able to live the life they deserve.

He said:"I don't need to beg someone in order to live. I won't beg anyone. I will fight—if I lose, so be it. But there’s always a chance: when you rise and fight for yourself, you will survive, and we have lived—lived a life that every human being deserves."

On the issue of displaced Congolese citizens, President Kagame questioned how the international community blames Rwanda for a crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while ignoring the root causes.

"It is incomprehensible that Congolese citizens are displaced and forced to flee their country, the DRC, and yet the world turns around and treats it as if it’s Rwanda’s problem."

"Hate speech, killings, people being targeted for who they are, being driven from their homes—we have thousands of people living in camps, displaced from their homes in Congo [...] Initially, they’re received abroad as Congolese refugees. They are not treated as Rwandans. But eventually, the problem is turned around and blamed on me."He added.

President Kagame concluded by stating that what didn’t destroy Rwandans over the past 31 years is what has made them stronger and ready for whatever lies ahead.

He said:"You give us nothing and then come to punish us further. That is the world—caught between the dark history of the past and the bitterness of the present. But what didn’t destroy us over the past 31 years has made us stronger. It prepared us for whatever may come, for those who desire and seek to harm us. I want to assure you—we will not

die without fighting."