First Lady Jeannette Kagame has said that Rwanda’s story serves as a beacon of hope to the rest of the world, where resilience is a word that bears significant weight in the country.
She said during her interaction with the Rwandan Diaspora and Friends of Rwanda in the Nordic countries, which centred on Rwanda’s post-genocide journey.
The Nordic countries include Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
"It is a duty and a privilege, to share the story of recovery and hope, that must forever define the promised land for which we fought – beyond the loss we once endured, beyond the abandonment from most of the world, that we once suffered,” she noted.
According to her, the Rwanda of today is a product of a people-centered leadership, reconciliation, homegrown solutions, and national pride.
"Through the efforts of its citizens, our post-Liberation society came together and bridged the gaps that previously divided us, refusing to leave any Rwandan behind.”
However, she said that Rwanda’s leadership has remained intent on its mission to deliver to citizens the opportunities, the stability and recognized and defended dignity that they are entitled to, despite the external intimidation attempts and double standards, among others.
"For us, resilience is quite simply the difference between life and death, between regression and progress,” she added.
The First Lady took a moment to recognise the former Prime Minister of Sweden, Ingvar Carlsson, for the sheer humanity and rare decency he displayed in calling out the dangers, of a lack of political will to act in the face of preventable human tragedies, such as the one Rwanda has had to surmount.
She also paid tribute to Lisbeth Palme, the widow of the assassinated former Premier Olof Palme, who was in the OAU’s (now African Union) panel of Eminent Personalities, which investigated the Genocide against the Tutsi
Sweden and Rwanda enjoy strong cooperation for more than 20 years in the fields of human rights, democracy, gender equality, environment and climate, as well as in other economic projects.
Over the years, more than 200 students finished their PhDs in Sweden and returned to Rwanda to contribute in their country’s development.
The First Lady is on a working visit in Sweden since September 14. She had a number of activities on her agenda including Karolinska University Hospital and participation in ‘Partnering for Change’ dinner event, among others.