President Paul Kagame has held talks with senior leaders of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), focusing on the party’s history, values and role in Rwanda’s development journey.
The meeting took place on July 27, 2026, at Intare Arena, according to the Office of the President.
A statement from Village Urugwiro said the discussions emphasized the importance of continuing to uphold the party’s principles, including citizen-centred leadership, accountability and commitment to national development.
“The meeting highlighted the importance of continuing to uphold the values of the organisation, including leadership that puts citizens at the centre and accountability, in order to accelerate the implementation of its goals of continuing to develop Rwanda,” the statement said.
The RPF-Inkotanyi was founded in 1987, emerging from the efforts of Rwandan refugees who had spent decades outside the country and were seeking a solution to their displacement and a path back home.
Before becoming the RPF, the movement operated as the Rwandan Alliance for National Unity (RANU), established in 1980 to advocate for the rights and return of Rwandan refugees.
In 1987, RANU underwent major reforms and adopted the name Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), as members sought to strengthen the organisation and pursue their political objectives.
The movement later established its armed wing, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), which launched an offensive on October 1, 1990, beginning a four-year conflict that ended in July 1994 when the RPA stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi.
After taking leadership of the country, the RPF-led government faced the challenge of rebuilding Rwanda’s institutions, economy and social fabric following the devastation caused by the genocide.
Rwanda’s economy suffered a major setback in 1994, with national production declining sharply and state institutions severely weakened. The country later embarked on reconstruction and development programmes focused on rebuilding governance systems, restoring stability and improving citizens’ livelihoods.
Over the past three decades, Rwanda has recorded significant progress in several areas, including economic growth, healthcare, education and infrastructure.
The country’s gross domestic product reached 23.387 trillion Rwandan francs in 2025, up from 19.918 trillion francs in 2024, while the national budget for the 2026/2027 financial year was set at 7.796 trillion francs.
Life expectancy has also increased significantly, rising from around 28 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to nearly 70 years today.
The RPF-Inkotanyi has continued to emphasize values such as accountability, unity and leadership focused on improving citizens’ lives as part of its approach to governance.
The meeting comes as the party continues discussions on maintaining its founding principles while adapting to new challenges facing Rwanda’s development.
