Different Rwandans, including farmers, who were members of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) contributed in different ways towards the liberation struggle that stopped the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

This was said by Tito Rutaremera, a veteran politician and historical member of RPF-Inkotanyi, who is currently the chairperson of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum.

In a twitter thread shared on his timeline, Rutaremara said: "The members’ voluntary contributions were in terms of money, equipment and voluntary works among others.”

He said that while employees in different institutions contributed part of their salaries towards RPF activities, non-salaried workers like farmers and cattle keepers contributed part of their harvest and livestock.

"Even farmers with small livestock made sure they contribute during the liberation struggle. The livestock farmers would also contribute money when they sold some of their animals on the market,” he said.

He noted that other contributions were collected through fundraising campaigns.

"Fundraisings were carried out in different ways. In Europe, RPF members would organise fundraisings through parties, gala dinners, and others,” he said.

In Africa, he explained, fundraising campaigns would be done through traditional dance concerts, and other parties that bring together many people.

"An extraordinary contribution during the liberation war would be also provided by members and friends of the RPF. This would be done in different ways like people contributing medication, garments, and food which would be packaged and taken to support those at the front of the battle,” he said.

According to Rutaremera, this system later changed whereby the food, medication, garments, and other materials would be sold so that money is sent to finance other departments of the liberation struggle.

With this, the logistics department had to request money from finance departments to buy what is needed in the liberation struggle,” he said.

Part-time cadreship

The former senator further said that other members dedicated a small part of their time to carrying out some work for the party.

Known as part-time cadreship, Rutaremera explained that the members could dedicate two or three hours after finishing their usual income-generating jobs to help party cadres in their daily mobilisation works.

"Other members had to dedicate their week-end time to do cadreship work at all levels. Some would do this kind of work during their holidays. They would even join the liberation battle. These included medical doctors, teachers, nurses, and others,” he said.

"They used to receive and help those who were injured in the battle, treat the sick and guide those joining the frontline as well,” he said.

"The other work that members had to do was to gather all information that is important to RPF,” he added.