I found your birthday gift;
In the gratitude of Genocide survivors;
The reconciliation of all Rwandans.
In our country’s social justice; the surging life expectancy;
The fast human development, the encouraging global rankings;
I found your birthday gift…
In the cleanliness of our streets, the greenness of our roadsides;
The safety of our neighborhoods, the tranquility of our daily lives;
I found your gift!
In the glow of the Convention Center; the flight of the Rwandair;
In the humility of government officials, the discipline of the RDF;
I saw your gift…
In the joy of our visitors, the respect of other nations;
In the aspirations of African brethren, a new dawn for our continent;
In the grace of Rwandan women – emancipated;
…may you find your gift
In the appointment to the African Union, the recognition of the United Nations;
Then again, the uprightness of border officials – when we say we are from Rwanda;
Therein, lies your gift!
Sixty years of an outstanding life;
You’ve set the standards high,
We’ll be accepting nothing less;
We appreciate your presence in our midst,
for you’ve restored Africa’s pride;
We look up to you every day;
and we’ll strive to emulate – though it’s hard;
To concur with Moroccan Journalist Ahmed Charai,
‘Your country needs you,
The African continent needs you,
and the world needs you.’
Happy birthday, My President.