The President made the remarks on February 1, 2026, during the National Prayer Breakfast, a national prayer and thanksgiving event organised by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship.
This year's gathering, which coincided with Heroes Day celebrations, was held under the theme, 'Building a strong and secure family.'
Addressing participants, President Kagame emphasised that patience and mutual understanding are essential in building families, noting that he finds it difficult to understand how disagreements between two people can lead to separation.
'How can two people fail to live together? When many people are brought together, that is understandable, but two people? People should be patient with one another. What kind of wrongdoing does one person commit that makes the other say, 'I no longer want you, I am leaving'? What really happened?' he asked.
The President said that even when serious issues arise, couples should prioritise dialogue and seek solutions together rather than choosing separation, warning that problems may persist elsewhere.
'Even if something has happened, and it is possible, can't people sit down, look at each other, and talk? If you leave, where will you go without finding similar problems? You may even encounter worse ones,' he said.
President Kagame further warned that the breakdown of families has wider consequences for society and the nation as a whole.
'If this happens to many couples at the same time, two, three, five, or ten, the country suffers. A nation is weakened. These are challenges that can be managed, especially for those who believe in God and in the power of prayer,' he said.
He challenged religious leaders to ensure that the values they teach are applied in daily life, particularly in resolving family conflicts.
'If what you teach and preach is truly believed, then it should help people overcome anger, wrongdoing, and hostility. What is the value of those teachings if they cannot be used to bring peace into families?' he added.
The President stressed that challenges within households are a shared responsibility and called on Rwandans to actively cultivate family stability as a foundation for national development.
'These are issues we must take seriously. If Rwandans adopt this mindset, the country will continue to progress, and the painful lessons from our history will not have been in vain,' he said.
Religious leaders welcomed the President's message and committed to placing greater emphasis on family unity in their teachings. Pastor Ngendahayo Phocas of Christian Life Assembly in Nyarutarama said the message underscored the link between strong families and national stability.
'The President emphasised the importance of a well-built family. Families are made up of individuals, and those individuals must be built first. Together, they form the nation. He reminded us of our responsibility to help individuals grow and learn how to live with others,' he said.
Pastor Phocas said the address was more than a political statement.
'He spoke more like a preacher than a politician. The message resonated deeply with us and challenged us to continue fulfilling our mission,' he said.
According to a report by the Judiciary, 2,674 divorce cases were heard during the 2024/2025 judicial year, down from 2,833 cases in the previous year.
IGIHE
