RUSAGARA MUVUNANKIKO Valens
President Paul Kagame on Friday urged members of the FPR Inkotanyi to remain committed to the party’s founding values by focusing on responsibility, practical solutions and long-term development instead of short-term trends.
The remarks were made during the FPR Inkotanyi Political Bureau Meeting held at the Intare Conference Arena in Rusororo, Gasabo District. The high-level meeting brought together about 2,000 party leaders from the national level to the village (cell) level, as well as representatives of political organizations operating in Rwanda.
As Chairman of the FPR Inkotanyi, President Kagame chaired the meeting, where leaders discussed key resolutions, including the future direction of the organization over the next three decades.
Addressing delegates, Kagame said the history of the FPR Inkotanyi should serve as a guide for every member’s responsibilities. He stressed that the party has a unique identity built on its values and history, which continue to shape its mission and the country’s future.
“The FPR has its own identity, its own name, its own values and its own history,” Kagame said. “That history explains our responsibilities and the responsibilities of every Rwandan, wherever they may be. It also helps define the kind of country Rwandans want and reminds each person of their duty.”
He noted that Rwanda is facing growing competition in different areas and said this requires leaders to work harder and remain focused on delivering results that meet the expectations of citizens.
“This is the challenge of where we have arrived in terms of the competition we face,” Kagame said, calling on party members to carry out their duties with dedication and ensure that their work reflects the aspirations of the people.
The President also spoke about the role of politics, saying that genuine political leadership is about solving people’s problems rather than creating new ones through false promises or misleading narratives.
“Our politics is about confronting challenges and finding solutions,” he said. “Politics built on lies or empty claims only adds more problems instead of solving existing ones.”
Speaking directly to young people, Kagame encouraged them to invest their energy in strong and lasting foundations rather than temporary trends or popularity.
“Do not invest in vibes; invest in foundations,” he said. “Without a strong foundation, nothing can last.”
He also urged party members to believe in their own abilities and avoid depending on outside assistance to improve their lives.
“Do not underestimate yourselves,” Kagame said. “Everyone has something they can do. Do not wait for others to provide assistance before taking action and creating opportunities for yourselves.”
The Political Bureau Meeting forms part of the FPR Inkotanyi’s ongoing efforts to review its priorities and strengthen its leadership as Rwanda continues implementing its long-term national development agenda. Leaders at the meeting discussed how the organization can continue responding to the country’s evolving challenges while maintaining the values that have guided it since its founding.
Muhire Obed
