Paradise, referencing numerous religious texts and studies on belief systems such as Durkheim’s The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, highlights that people pray for many different reasons based on beliefs, culture, emotions, and the desire to find comfort in life.

Some pray to thank or request power from God or other deities; others see prayer as a way to communicate with a higher being, seek comfort during difficult times, or show respect and love for what they believe in.

Some pray as part of culture or tradition, where prayer is embedded in daily life, providing a stable framework, fostering unity with family or religious communities, and encouraging acts of kindness toward others.

Additionally, people pray because it instills hope and a positive outlook, as prayers can provide reassurance, inner peace, and the strength to face everyday life challenges.

Believers may consider God as a friend to whom they can speak openly about their feelings and plans, believing that prayer strengthens their relationship with Him and may secure a place in eternal life after death.

However, Tito does not share this view. In response to the journalist’s questions about his beliefs, Tito denied belonging to any religion, explaining that he sees no reason to follow one. He also stated that he does not accept people’s acts of worship unless it involves harming them, which he respects as their right.

He said, “No, I do not have a religion. No one should be forced to have one.” When asked if he believes in Rwanda’s God, Tito replied that he does not, because he has no religion. He added, “The God of Rwanda is worshiped only by the Rutangarwamaboko; others do not worship it anymore. Other gods, including those of Israel and Islam, are elsewhere; those are not ours.”

Tito further explained why he does not pray and what he thinks about the God others worship: “Why should I pray? What would I ask God? When you are born, did you pray to exist? God saw what was needed and provided it.

Christians say God is loving, knows everything, and is all-powerful. If He knows everything, then praying is a waste of time, because He already knows what you are asking for.”

Regarding his attitude toward believers, Tito stated: “I respect them. I truly respect anyone who believes in God because it makes them happy. If someone invites me to accompany them to pray, I respect what they do—whether Muslim, Protestant, Catholic—they all have that right, just as they cannot force me.”

Tito Rutaremara: A Distinguished Rwandan Politician

Tito Rutaremara, born in 1944 in Kiziguro Sector, Gatsibo District, is one of Rwanda’s experienced politicians, holding advanced degrees (License, Maîtrise, and Doctorate) obtained in France.

In his political career, he served as FPR coordinator, Secretary-General of FPR-Inkotanyi, Member of Parliament, and chaired the commission for drafting the Constitution. He was also a Senator and Rwanda’s Ombudsman (Umuvunyi Mukuru), and currently serves as Director General of the Advisory Council of Experts, according to Kigalibio.

On Rwanda and historical politics, Tito shared insights on the country’s generations since the colonial era, noting that each generation has a unique mission. He acknowledged that some still harbor “genocide ideology” but emphasized that reconciliation requires some to choose silence to avoid harming others.

For his 80th birthday, President Paul Kagame and his wife attended the celebrations, where Tito highlighted that despite the progress achieved, the nation’s rebuilding journey continues, and that the youth have a critical responsibility in sustaining development.

Throughout his life, he has faced challenging periods, including seeking refuge in Uganda, where he studied and worked in agriculture to fund his education, experiences that shaped him into a knowledgeable politician and historically informed individual.

The celebration of his 80th birthday was attended by President Paul Kagame and Madame Jeanette Kagame