The Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) recently celebrated its 16th International and National Congress, and marked its 35th Anniversary with celebrations. The RPF took charge of a nation that was left in ruins after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and since then, it has been responsible for rebuilding Rwanda. The party's efforts have transformed Rwanda into a prime example of rapid socio-economic progress, democracy, security, and effectiveness not just in Africa, but also across the world.’ At the congress, Gatete Nyiringabo Ruhumuliza, a well-known blogger in Rwanda, posed a crucial question about building credibility in the younger generation. He asked how they could build their own credibility given that the RPF cadres already have a well-established history of achievements. The conversation quickly spread to Twitter, where Lonzen Rugira, a political commentator weighed in with his thoughts on the matter. He stated that the youth must live out the values of the RPF in order to gain credibility. Lonzen firmly believes that the RPF's credibility comes from its ability to put its values into action, in other words, walking the talk. In the same Twitter thread, a one Bob Rugambwa made an astute observation, stating, Legitimacy and moral authority cannot be airdropped. They are earned. The older generation earned it. They're giving us the opportunity, while they're still here, to earn it. The question is, are we earning it? These comments speak to the importance of action and hard work in earning credibility and moral authority. It's not enough to simply talk about values and achievements - they must be demonstrated through tangible results. By doing so, the younger generation can establish their own credibility and contribute to the continued growth and success of Rwanda. It's time for the young people of Rwanda to step up and take responsibility for transforming their country. Legitimacy and moral authority cannot simply be handed over - they must be earned through hard work, dedication, and the development of key skills and knowledge. Fortunately, we are blessed with elders who are willing to pass on the torch, providing the younger generation with the opportunity to continue building on the incredible progress made by the RPF over the past 35 years. As the future of Rwanda, young people possess the energy, creativity, and innovation necessary to drive the country forward. But they must also focus on cultivating their leadership abilities and building their capacity to ensure that Rwanda remains on track towards sustained socio-economic development, democracy, and security. By doing so, young people will not only create a better future for themselves and future generations but will also contribute to the achievement of the Rwanda we all want. So let's roll up our sleeves, work hard, and build a brighter tomorrow for Rwanda! Here are a few things that I believe young people should know to Build long-lasting credibility for Generations—lessons from the elders. Consistency is key: The RPF elders have set a great example of consistency in their actions and behavior, by always living out the values of RPF. For young people to build credibility, we need to follow suit by being consistent in our actions and behavior, and staying true to our values every day. Honesty is crucial: RPF values honesty, and as young people, we should always strive to be truthful in our interactions with others, including our elders. We should also be willing to admit our mistakes and take responsibility for our actions. Reliability is a must: Over the last 35 years, RPF has earned a reputation for being reliable and dependable, both in Rwanda and on the international stage. As young people, we can build credibility by following through on our commitments and striving to be reliable in all aspects of our lives. Building expertise is essential: In today's fast-changing world, expertise is highly valued. Young people can build credibility by investing time and effort in learning and developing their skills, and seeking out opportunities to gain experience. We have a flexible environment to draw best practices from and learn compared to what our elders went through. Communication is key: RPF has always been clear and concise in communicating its values and principles to the Rwandan community and beyond, which has earned it credibility. As young people, we need to learn how to communicate effectively and listen actively, especially to our elders. Building meaningful relationships: Our elders have always been intentional in building meaningful relationships, and as young people, we need to follow their lead by focusing on building trust and rapport with others. Having a win-win mentality in our relationships is crucial to building credibility and achieving our goals. The RPF's accomplishments over the past 35 years, particularly in the aftermath of the Genocide, are nothing short of remarkable. The party has worked tirelessly to establish credibility not just within Rwanda but also on the global stage. This strong foundation provides an excellent platform for young people to build upon as they seek to contribute to Rwanda's continued progress. By taking inspiration from the RPF's successes and working hard to live out the party's values, young people can play an integral role in driving Rwanda forward. It's important to recognize the significance of the RPF's achievements in establishing credibility and creating a solid foundation upon which future generations can build. Armed with this knowledge, young people can be confident in their ability to make a meaningful difference in Rwanda and beyond. So let's continue to draw inspiration from the RPF's legacy and work together to create a brighter future for all. The author is a youth programs officer at Never Again Rwanda—a peacebuilding and social justice non-government organisation.
