The history and national interest of Rwanda and the Rwandan people dictate our national orientation.

It is the first time in the history of Rwanda that political change in the highest leadership of the country has taken place in peace and security.

Aid leads to more aid and more aid and more aid and less independence of the people that are receiving aid.

The situation in Congo shows nothing for which you could hold Rwanda responsible.

The West has institutions that can punish the misconduct of individuals. What drove Rwanda and Africa into decline was the fact that certain people weren't held accountable. When we move to make corrupt mayors or officers answer to the courts, people always immediately say that we are repressive. But should we allow these people to continue to get away with it?

Israel and Rwanda both play an active part in international organizations, including the U.N., but I think it's true that our unique experiences as nations have shaped a fierce independence that we will not relinquish.

I know that the fact that I am candidate to my own succession in 2017 can be perceived to be a bad thing by some part of the public opinion outside Rwanda and I don't mind because I know that I am doing it for a good cause. It really doesn't matter to me that my name is associated to those critics as long as I know that I am doing the will of the people.