Kigali, evening of August 07, 2023. A State banquet was hosted by President Paul Kagame, at the « Convention Center »in honor of President Andry Rajoelina and the delegation accompanying him for an official visit to Rwanda.
On this occasion, the President of Madagascar delivered the following speech:
“Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, Dear Friend.
First of all, I would like to thank President Paul Kagame for the exemplary hospitality extended to the Malagasy delegation.
We have been impressed with Rwanda’s rapid development, Mr. President. And this morning, when we visited the Genocide Memorial, the whole delegation was moved to have seen and watched the history of Rwanda.
Mister President,
You had in your hands a country which was divided; a population, a weakened people. And yet you were able to succeed in unifying, bringing people together and developing your country, Rwanda. This proves, Mr President, that anything is possible. Rwanda is the heart of Africa. A heartless human being is a lifeless human being.
And it is for this reason that I can say, today, that Rwanda is the heart of Africa, the example of Africa.
When we talk about Africa, we always have in mind, as synonyms, poverty, a continent with problems… But, you were able to demonstrate that Africa must and Africa can become and be a solution.
Today, Rwanda’s development no longer needs to be demonstrated.
Mr President, I have traveled a lot around the world but, as soon as we arrived at the airport, I asked myself the question: are we in Africa or in the United States or in Europe? This is to tell you that I would like to congratulate and salute your leadership, Mr. President.
There is also the fact that solidarity must be strengthened and be exemplary: all the countries of the African continent must help each other. We must share our experiences so that we can follow in the footsteps of Emergence in Africa, and I can assure you, Mr. President, that Madagascar is already following in the footsteps of Emergence in Africa. And you guide us.
I would like, Mr. President, to tell you that your stay in Madagascar also marked us a lot. You came to celebrate Independence Day with us, you were guest of honour. Despite this, there was a really unfortunate event, since there were many people who came to the stadium and, unfortunately, there were twelve people who died following the jostling, during the National Day.
That day, after the ceremony, I went to the hospital and I said never again, there should not be even one person who will die at the Mahamasina stadium in Madagascar. And I made the decision to completely renovate this stadium and increase the capacity of this stadium. Mr President, we have rebuilt the stadium. Today, we have doubled the capacity and it is the most beautiful stadium in the Indian Ocean today, we have held several events there, and there have been no more deaths in this stadium since.
When I was at « Memorial »Mr. President -why am I telling you this-, I read a sentence written: “saving a life is saving the world”. For us, as Leaders, wars must stop, and our duty is also – not only to develop our country – and above all, to save lives.
There is currently a war in Ukraine, which is killing innocent people, and the impacts are really colossal for the whole world. Often, when I give a speech, I say that there are weapons much more powerful than bombs and missiles: it is our people, it is our land and our wealth. And I am personally convinced that we can change the history of the African continent.
And it is for this reason that I am reassured, Mr. President, in relation to your speech, that Madagascar has a friend; Madagascar has an ally and we are counting on you to be able to share your experiences of success with Madagascar.
Mr. President, I am both encouraged and enthusiastic to note that Rwanda has been able to take the path of a successful Africa; an Africa that shines. And, I would like to propose that we can strengthen cooperation between our two countries, and I would also like to raise a toast later, for the friendship between our two countries.
I would like to tell you that the Malagasy delegation and I will return to Madagascar with the determination to build and accelerate development as demonstrated in Rwanda. I am happy that we are moving forward together, and that this visit is the beginning of a long history of friendship between our two countries, and of shared development in the service of our peoples.
Thank you for your attention »./.
Listening transcription: Jeannot RAMAMBAZAFY – August 08, 2023
