He was speaking at a reception held on the evening of July 4 at the Kigali Convention Centre to mark Rwanda's 31st Liberation Anniversary.
Kagame reflected on Rwanda's liberation journey, the sacrifices made by many, and the enduring threat posed by those who wish to destabilize the country.
He particularly condemned the continued threat of the FDLR rebel group, and the recent collaboration that saw SADC troops supporting Kinshasa's campaign against its citizens (the M23).
'In the recent months and so you see again the whole world was watching. Mercenaries came from Europe, then other confused brothers and sisters from our continent… They sent in everything to support a government that is killing its own people, that supports genociders, people who killed our people here,' Kagame said.
He added that threats to Rwanda, the weapon build-up in Goma and Bukavu, and drone warfare claims clearly signaled broader intentions: 'It was aimed at Rwanda.'
Following the capture of Goma, SADC troops found themselves encircled by the rebel group and requested safe passage to withdraw through Rwandaâ€"despite their earlier support for a coalition that harbored intentions to destabilize the country.
'We gave them passage. We gave them security. We made sure they went back home. But they could have perished if they really put up a fight. There's no question about it,' he noted.
Kagame made it clear that Rwanda's patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
'We can walk 2,000 kilometers from here fighting if and when we have to fight,' he said. 'Those people who tell you nonsense that they have drones, they have what? They will come and attack Rwanda? We will find you where you are launching those drones from.'
He called on the international community and critics to understand that Rwanda's primary demand is mutual respect and non-interference: 'Just if you can't cooperate with us, leave us alone.'
Addressing those who withhold support or threaten to withdraw funding, Kagame said, 'Yes, that money when it comes, I assure you, you will not find a place that puts that money to good use more than we do… But to wag a finger at me, I'll break it. Just that thing alone.'
Turning inward, Kagame urged Rwandans â€" young and old â€" to remember the meaning of their liberation and the responsibilities it entails. 'You are not a bunch of sheep that must be herded to a slaughterhouse… You should never accept it,' he said. 'I would rather go to my grave giving it a fight… How I go there matters.'
Reflecting on Rwanda's transformation over the last three decades, Kagame asserted, 'It's not just that we removed the killers and we took over. No, we are not just new people in our thinking, in our existence. We are new people because we have changed things towards what they should be.'
He concluded with a powerful message to those who believe in divine accountability: 'So don't let anyone be allowed to take us back years in history… When you are being asked to account, for me, I'm prepared with my notes in my pocket. When they say, 'Hey, what did you do?' I say, 'Sir, this is what I did. I apologize for my shortcomings but I think largely there is something I will show for it.''
Kagame urged all Rwandans to reflect on the long journey of liberation and continue to defend and advance their nation with pride, dignity, and unity.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/don-t-allow-anyone-to-take-us-back-years-in-history-kagame
