I'm not British. I'm not American. I'm not French. Whatever thing they practise, that is their business. I am an African. I am Rwandese.
Paul KagameRead
Africa’s story has been written by others; we need to own our problems and solutions and write our story.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We must take responsibility for our own narratives and address our own challenges.
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-agency and ownership in shaping our identities and futures. It suggests that rather than relying on external perspectives, individuals and communities, particularly in Africa, should acknowledge their issues and actively participate in creating their own solutions and narratives to reflect their true stories and aspirations.
Themes
AfricaOwnershipNarrativeProblemsSolutions
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about empowerment at a community forum.
More from Paul Kagame
All quotes →Nothing would catch me off guard, because I understand the world I live in. I understand it very well. And the world I live in is not necessarily a fair or just world. I have dealt with these injustices for the bigger part of my life.
Paul KagameRead
In a state of poverty, illiteracy, people just remain exposed to all kinds of manipulation. That's what we have lived. It's easier to tell a poor person, 'You know what, you are poor, you're hungry because the other one has taken away your rights.'
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We must create economic opportunity, build a culture of entrepreneurship, get people to take responsibility for improving their lives, rather than putting them in a position where they sit back in their poverty and blame others for it.
Paul KagameRead
Rwanda is not over needing aid, but we can survive with less aid than before.
Paul KagameRead
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