Rev. Isaïe Ndayizeye, the overall coordinator of Rwanda Shima Imana 2026, has urged Rwandans to thank God for the country’s progress in rebuilding, restoring peace and strengthening its standing on the international stage.
He made the remarks on Sunday at Amahoro Stadium during the annual Rwanda Shima Imana gathering, which brought together Christians from different denominations to thank God for the country’s achievements and pray for its continued progress.
Rev. Ndayizeye said Rwanda has achieved many milestones through good leadership, hard work and the commitment of its people, adding that they are too numerous to mention in a single gathering.
He identified the restoration of peace and the ability of Rwandans to work together to build and protect their country as among the major reasons for thanksgiving.
“We thank God for enabling us to live together peacefully again and to work together to build Rwanda and protect it from anything that could destabilise it,” he said.
He said these achievements should not be taken for granted, particularly given Rwanda’s history, including the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Ndayizeye also highlighted efforts to promote unity and reconciliation, particularly through the Ndi Umunyarwanda programme.
He said the programme has contributed to helping Rwandans reconcile and strengthen unity following the country’s difficult history.
“We thank God for all the efforts made, particularly the Ndi Umunyarwanda programme, which helped Rwandans reconcile and strengthen unity among themselves,” he said.
He also cited Rwanda’s growing international influence and the participation of Rwandans in senior positions within international organisations as another reason for thanksgiving.
Ndayizeye recalled that Rwanda has at different times been entrusted with leadership roles in major international organisations, including the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and the Commonwealth.
He also pointed to the role of Rwanda’s military and police personnel in international peacekeeping missions.
He said Rwanda has contributed to peace efforts in countries including Mozambique, the Central African Republic and South Sudan, as well as the Darfur region of Sudan.
According to Ndayizeye, the continued contribution of Rwandans to international peacekeeping is another reason to thank God for the country’s growing role on the global stage.
He further thanked God for the freedom to worship and practise religion in Rwanda.
While acknowledging that some places of worship remain closed because they have not met the required standards, he said there are still many reasons for Christians to be grateful, including the thousands of people who have embraced the Christian faith.
He said Christian ministry continues across the country, with many people, particularly young people, showing interest in faith and serving God.
“We thank God for the many thousands of people who have received the Good News of Jesus Christ and whose lives have been transformed,” he said.
Ndayizeye described the opportunity for Rwandans from different churches and denominations to gather for prayer and thanksgiving as a blessing in itself.
He encouraged Rwandans to continue thanking God for the country’s achievements while praying for Rwanda and contributing to its development.
Rwanda Shima Imana is an annual gathering that brings together Christians from different denominations for prayer, worship and thanksgiving for the country’s progress and achievements.
