In his address during the Future Investment Summit held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Paul Kagame expressed his views on the act of challenging governments. He emphasized that while questioning authority isn’t inherently wrong, the motivation behind it matters.
President Kagame stated, “You don’t mind challenging the government; coups are not a good thing. But people need to understand the broader context and the big picture behind these coups.”
He continued to assert that the coups, often orchestrated by military personnel aiming to take control of civil power and amend constitutional laws, pose a severe threat. However, the President emphasized the importance of educating the public on the existence of civilian-led governments, which can sometimes exhibit poor governance.
“In an environment where things have gone wrong in some countries, it’s easy for them to justify these coups. When things deteriorate, it reflects badly on African leaders,” Kagame pointed out.
The President further explained that the legacy of colonialism continues to affect Africa negatively, and it is vital to keep in mind that the issue is not limited to the African continent alone. He highlighted the importance of finding solutions to the problems faced by African nations, aiming to boost their economic development.
He added that people should look beyond their borders and not forget the turmoil caused by colonial powers and colonized countries, as such issues continue to influence the African population.
President Kagame reiterated that while he anticipates cooperation between the former colonizers and the colonized nations, it’s also essential for African countries to recognize their vast potential. He urged Africans to shift their focus towards strengthening their economies, which can help them face the challenges imposed on them.
The Future Investment Initiative commenced on October 24, 2023, and is expected to conclude on October 26, 2023. The international summit seeks to address and find solutions to worldwide issues.