President Paul Kagame emphasized the crucial balance between politics, religion, and culture during the Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast at Kigali Convention Centre. He advocated for a cautious approach to these domains to prevent extremism, underscoring that simplicity in their practice is vital for maintaining harmony and effectiveness.
The event, organized by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship (RLF) under the theme “Foundations of a Grateful Nation,” gathered a diverse group of attendees, including government officials, business leaders, diplomats, and senior religious figures. The purpose was to promote ethical values in leadership, celebrate electoral achievements, and set the stage for future development goals.
Martine Muhongayire, Educational Advisor at École Ste Anne de Kigali and a member of RLF, outlined several reasons for thanksgiving. She highlighted significant progress in national development, the successful conduct of peaceful elections, and the effective mobilization of resources as key achievements to be grateful for.
In his address, Kagame reflected on Rwanda’s transformative journey from its troubled past. He emphasized that true thanksgiving involves more than just formal ceremonies; it requires tangible achievements and meaningful contributions. Kagame warned against the dangers of extreme practices in religion, politics, or culture, noting that they could be detrimental if not managed properly. He stressed that maintaining a balanced approach is essential for achieving positive outcomes.
Kagame also addressed the issue of fraud within religious organizations, calling for decisive action against such practices. He pointed out that individuals involved in scams are not true representatives of religious values and emphasized the need for vigilance and integrity in religious leadership.
Lambert Bariho from Ellel Ministries Rwanda highlighted the significance of cultivating a culture of thanksgiving. Drawing on Psalms 100, he underscored how thanksgiving fosters positivity, motivation, and a proactive mindset. Bariho emphasized that thanksgiving should be a heartfelt and intentional practice, independent of external circumstances.
Moses Ndahiro, Chairman of RLF, concluded the event by expressing gratitude for the peaceful and successful elections and for a leadership that adheres to ethical principles. He noted that RLF continues to organize regular fellowships to reflect on and enhance governance and leadership practices, reinforcing the values discussed during the prayer breakfast.
