Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), has called on Rwandan youth to lead with values, saying the future of the country depends on their good choices and behaviour. Rwivanga was addressing more than 150 young leaders from various academic institutions, including students from 35 universities and university deans, gathered in Kigali for the Young Leaders’ Breakfast Network Gathering on Sunday, July 20. Defence Spokesperson addresses young leaders from the Africa Youth Leadership Forum 20 July 2025 pic.twitter.com/LeB3xZITwV — Rwanda Defence Force (@RwandaMoD) July 20, 2025 “Every Rwandan, especially the youth, has a secret duty to lead with values,” Rwivanga said at the conference organised by the Africa Youth Leadership Forum (AYLF) and Cornerstone Development Africa. The gathering aimed to inspire young people to become value-driven leaders, rooted in integrity, patriotism, and service. Rwivanga said that national values such as discipline, respect, and love for one’s country must guide the decisions of every citizen, especially the youth who will shape the Rwanda of tomorrow. “What values guide your decisions today? Are your choices aligned with your principles today?” he asked the young people, encouraging them to “stand firm for what is right, serve others before self and lead with clarity and national pride.” ALSO READ: Rubavu: Minister Bizimana urges youth to embrace patriotism However, the defense spokesperson told the delegation that hard work would be useless if it was not matched with good personal conduct, especially personal health. “Why would you drink yourself silly to destroy your liver, your kidneys and then in your sixities, you will be the first to go? he said. Rwivanga referred to Rwanda’s history, where he reminded the audience that many of today’s leaders, including President Paul Kagame, were once young people who made brave and patriotic choices and liberated the country. “Think about if people your age had sat back as refugees and not taken up arms, where would Rwanda be? They were your age, the commanders you see now in their early fifties. Can we do the same today?” The military general urged the youth to love their country, not just in words but in daily actions, saying that many countries today have developed because their citizens were patriotic. ALSO READ: Patriotism Day: Rwandans reflect on lessons learned, struggle ahead Patriotism in action Rwivanga also urged students studying abroad to return and invest in Rwanda. He said that while gaining knowledge and experience overseas is important, it is equally important to bring those skills back home to help build the country. “You can go to study, get a degree, a PhD from there, even work for a few years, but at the end of the day, come and invest in your country,” he noted. Rwivanga pointed out that preserving Rwanda’s achievements requires discipline, commitment, and ownership. “Let’s honour our nation by holding good personal behavior, demonstrate patriotism for the country, preserve unity and together we can build a resilient and prosperous dignified nation,” he said.
