By Nadia MUGUNGA
As the year 2024 draws to a close, Victoire Ingabire, leader of DALFA-
Umurinzi, delivered a heartfelt message to the Rwandan people, emphasizing
peace, unity, and reconciliation. In her address, broadcasted on YouTube
under the title IMBARUTSO YA DEMOKARASI, Ingabire reflected on the
nation’s history, current challenges, and the collective responsibility of
Rwandans in fostering national unity for a better future.
Wishing Rwandans Peace and Joy
Ingabire began her message by wishing all Rwandans peace and joy during
the holiday season and into the new year. She reminded the public that true
peace is rooted in respect, good manners, and the values that define Rwandan
culture. She stated:
“Peace and joy come from the respect and values that should define us
as Rwandans. It is from these values that we draw the kindness that
allows us to live in harmony and mutual respect.”
She also addressed the painful stories of the killings of Tutsi genocide
survivors, which have continued to emerge across the country. With words of
comfort, Ingabire expressed her condolences to the families who have lost
loved ones and called on all Rwandans to reject acts of violence. She remindedthe nation that the dark history Rwanda has endured should serve as a lesson
for everyone, saying:
“It is heartbreaking to see that some have not learned from the tragic
history our country has gone through.”
Ingabire emphasized that expressing different opinions should never be
viewed as a crime nor should it make anyone an enemy. She said:
“No one should be seen as an enemy just because they speak out against
what is not going well. Sharing differing opinions is not a betrayal.”
She urged Rwandans to engage in constructive debates aimed at the country’s
development, reinforcing that such discussions should be rooted in the
principles of unity and governance by law.
In her message, Ingabire emphasized that true and lasting peace, as well as
development, can only be achieved through unity among Rwandans. She
called on everyone to prioritize the values of unity and work towards
cultivating peace within the Rwandan community. She stated:
“There can be no lasting development or peace in our country if we do
not build ourselves as ‘one nation.'”
Ingabire also called on Rwandans to use social media platforms responsibly,
advocating for peaceful and unifying language rather than inciting division
and conflict. She concluded her message by wishing all Rwandans a Merry
Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with hope and success in 2025.
Therwandan
