President Kagame Urges National Dialogues to Produce Tangible Results, Not Just Words

President Paul Kagame has called on national dialogue forums that bring Rwandans together to move beyond repeated discussions and instead generate clear, practical actions that address the country’s challenges.

He made the remarks on Friday, February 6, 2026, while closing the 20th National Consultative Forum (Umushyikirano), held at the Kigali Convention Centre from February 5 to 6, 2026.

Avoid Repeating the Same Discussions Without Progress

President Kagame warned against turning national forums into routine events where the same issues and solutions are discussed year after year without meaningful change.

“These kinds of meetings and the discussions that take place in them should not become a habit of repeating the same things without seeing results,” he said. “We come, raise issues, propose solutions, but when a year passes and we return, everything looks exactly the same.”

He noted that such patterns indicate delays and weaknesses in implementation.

Delays in Action Hold Back Development

The Head of State said it is unacceptable for people with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to fail in execution, describing this as a major challenge rooted in mindset and work culture.

“When people delay in doing what they know how to do, it reflects a general problem we face, not only in our country but across Africa,” he said. “This explains why many African countries struggle to progress.”

President Kagame stressed that good ideas alone do not automatically lead to good performance if they are not supported by effective action.

“Good ideas do not always result in good performance,” he said. “Many people have the capacity, but something removes that ability, and suddenly it disappears.”

Politics and Governance as a Matter of Culture

The President explained that politics and governance are closely linked to culture, meaning that people’s skills and knowledge should be reflected in their daily actions rather than in speeches alone.

He also addressed long-standing mindset challenges affecting Africa’s development, noting that while external factors exist, Africans must focus on self-reliance and internal solutions.

“Our continent has a problem,” he said. “We sometimes blame historical injustices or external forces, but you must also realize that you have a responsibility to free yourself from that situation.”

Call for Accountability and Better Services

President Kagame urged Rwandans to reject poor service delivery and mismanagement, saying that accepting bad services is itself part of the problem.

“If someone treats you badly, and you accept it, you become part of the problem,” he said. “How do we change our mindset, our behavior, and our actions when we already know what should be done?”

He emphasized that while Rwanda cannot solve all global problems, it has the capacity to resolve its own challenges.

Self-Reliance and Constructive International Relations

The President encouraged Rwandans to work hard, rely on their own efforts, and seek peaceful and productive relations with other countries.

“We should do everything possible, and whatever can be done must be done,” he said. “We must learn how to live with others, whether neighbors or distant partners. If cooperation works, that is good. If it does not, we should rely on ourselves and continue working. That is the only way to achieve progress.”

He concluded by insisting that discussions held during Umushyikirano must translate into visible development outcomes.

“What is said here should not remain words,” he said. “It must result in clear actions that show we are moving forward.”

Umushyikirano Reaffirms Action-Based Governance

The 20th National Consultative Forum reaffirmed that action-oriented leadership, accountability, and self-reliance remain key pillars for Rwanda’s continued journey toward sustainable development.