President Paul Kagame has urged religious leaders and government officials to intensify efforts to promote peace and stability within Rwandan families.
The President made this call, this Sunday, January 19, during the National Prayer Breakfast held at Kigali Serena Hotel, where he emphasized the importance of addressing challenges facing families.
President Kagame expressed concern over reports highlighting failures by both government and religious leaders to uphold family responsibilities.
He noted that such neglect leads to endless conflicts, social unrest, and troubling behaviors, especially among the youth.
He said, “Drug abuse causes families to lose peace and live in constant conflict. It also creates a mindset where everyone believes only they are right, ignoring the truth.”
President Kagame challenged leaders in both the religious and public sectors to reflect on their roles in reducing societal issues.
“What role do we play in addressing these problems within our families and communities? Should we just ignore them and let things deteriorate? What purpose would we be serving then?” he asked.
Parents Are the First Educators
The Head of State reminded parents of their primary role in raising their children, stressing that neither the government nor religious institutions can take their place.
He said, “You cannot abandon your responsibility to raise your children and expect the government or the church to do it for you. It must start with you.”
President Kagame warned that failure to address these issues would lead to the nation’s collapse.
“We are destroying our country by tolerating unacceptable behaviors like drunkenness, drug abuse, and endless conflicts. I urge all leaders to reflect deeply on these matters and take action,” he said.
In recent times, social media has been flooded with indecent videos and inappropriate behaviors, often linked to drug abuse. These trends, particularly among the youth, have sparked widespread concern.
A study by Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) revealed that 25% of Rwandan youth consume drugs, with many experimenting with various substances monthly.
The Judiciary’s 2023/2024 report shows that 5,413 drug-related cases were brought to court. Rehabilitation centers currently host over 6,000 individuals, while around 5,000 people seek medical help annually for drug-related conditions.
With 65.3% of Rwanda’s population under 30, investing in youth protection and development is crucial.
