As Rwanda celebrates Liberation Day, Rwandans of different age and professions share with The New Times what the day means to them, and what they celebrate on the day.
Nathanael Ntwali, 14
Liberation Day means a lot to me. The country is better now, it is very safe and developing. I want to see a more developed Rwanda in the next 20 years. I would suggest that in coming years, we focus more on youth education and supporting their talents.
Etienne Habimana, taxi-moto rider, 38
Liberation Day means a lot to me. Our achievements in the last few years are stunning. Since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, we have persevered. Liberation Day also reminds me of heroes who selflessly fought for this country to be where it is today.
We wouldn’t be here in a country like this if it was not for them. I am very grateful.
We have achieved a lot in terms of infrastructure and health in the last 26 years. Given the current pace, in a few coming years, I have no doubt that Rwanda will be a developed country.
Eric Tuyisenge, youth volunteer, 26
Liberation Day reminds me how responsible youths who liberated the country were. They struggled to make the country better for us, they were selfless and ambitious and that is a good lesson young people today should learn from.
The best achievement in the last 26 years is that we do not only celebrate our country’s liberation but also an improvement in mindset and reconciliation.
I also want to encourage fellow youth that the rest of the struggle is for us to fight and we need to be as courageous as our fathers were 26 years ago.
Jean d’Amour Tuyambaze, comedian, 22
Liberation Day reminds us our history and how we liberated ourselves from the worst part of it. We also liberated ourselves from poverty and hunger. Today, infrastructure, schools, hospitals are easily accessible.
What stand out for me is how safe Rwanda is. I would enjoy Rwf1,000 safely just as safely as a millionaire would.
As a way forward, I think young people need to get a lot of support to be able develop the country. There are already supportive programs in place but they are not as accessible especially when it comes to artistic talents.
Antoine Gisubizo, 15
There is a lot to rejoice on Liberation Day. I personally think the development we have today is worth celebrating after 26 years. I enjoy transport and nice roads because I am a skate roller and it facilitates me.
I hope to see even more things to celebrate in coming years.
Clarisse Mukamana, hairdresser, 29
Liberation Day means a lot to me because we have also liberated ourselves from a lot of things. For instance if one went to school or got a job, I would say they liberated themselves from illiteracy or poverty.
As a country, it is very obvious, with improved infrastructures, electricity, transport and more. There is lot to celebrate. To extend the development however, I think we need to invest more in education and get more educated youth to take on the responsibility.
Beata Mukasine, mother, 34
Liberation Day to me is a sign of life; moving from one life to another. It is the day I celebrate what we have achieved in the last 26 years. I can see a lot of things have changed, infrastructures, safety and social development. I hope to see even better changes in years to come, including supportive projects for youths and women.
Emmanuel Twahirwa, Made-In-Rwanda products retailer
Apart from Covid-19 pandemic that has hit so hard, we have achieved a lot of things that are worth celebrating in the last 26 years. Improving lives, unity and reconciliation among Rwandans are what I consider great achievement given the situation in which Rwanda was in 1994.
Shadadi mugabo, mobile money agent, 27
It is obvious what Liberation means not just to me but many Rwandans. Sky scrapers all around, modern infrastructures and improved social living standards. I personally liberated myself from poverty in the last few years and I hope to work even harder.