At the National Heroes’ Mausoleum in Remera, Kigali, stands a monumental memorial that signifies the sacrifices of a generation. The monument, known as the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, represents the thousands of fallen soldiers who fought valiantly for the freedom and liberation of the Rwandan people, ultimately sacrificing their lives. ALSO READ: To live, love, die for a cause – eulogy for Rwanda’s Unknown Soldier The national heroes are in three categories – Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi, according to the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO). ALSO READ: Ubutwari 2024: How national heroes are selected Imanzi are supreme heroes with outstanding achievements occasioned by supreme sacrifice, outstanding importance, and example. Only two people fall in this category; the late Maj Gen Fred Rwigema and the Unknown Soldier. They were all awarded posthumously. The Unknown Soldier represents all the fallen soldiers of the liberation struggle that ended in 1994 with the stopping of the Genocide against the Tutsi and in any other battles where they demonstrated outstanding achievements characterized by supreme sacrifice, outstanding importance and example while serving Rwanda, and whose remains could not be found or identified afterwards. ALSO READ: Heroes mausoleums 'help foster unity' According to Nicolas Rwaka, the Director of Research at CHENO, the Unknown Soldier epitomizes the core values of integrity, patriotism, sacrifice, and proven courage or bravery. These values rekindle and preserve the spirit of a nation that rose from the ashes of one of the darkest chapters in its history, he said. Rwaka emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the Unknown Soldier. By doing so, Rwanda honors the sacrifices made by its fallen soldiers, acting as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, he said. Youth's take For Galina Isimbi, a university student, the Unknown Soldier represents the embodiment of sacrifice and the ultimate price paid by countless individuals for Rwanda's freedom. The monument serves as a somber reminder of the unwavering determination shown by those who fought relentlessly for peace and justice. And the fact that no name is particularly indicated is because all their sacrifices are as valuable, but also that it could have been any other one of us, she said. Twenty-year-old Willy Kaneza also echoed Isimbi's sentiments. He believes that the Unknown Soldier inspires the younger generation to stand up for what is right and fight against any form of injustice. The sacrifices made by these unnamed brave soldiers are a driving force behind our (young people's) desire for a better and more prosperous Rwanda, he added. Motorcyclist Patrick Hagumagatsi, recounted how every day, he passes by the National Heroes’ Mausoleum, and get reminded what it took for him to be working freely in a peaceful country. It reminds me of the immense bravery and determination required to protect my country. It makes me feel an overwhelming sense of duty to contribute to the well-being and progress of Rwanda, he added. Flora Umugwaneza, a procurement officer, perceives the Unknown Soldier as a symbol of unity and resilience among the Rwandan people. She believes that the monument brings people together, regardless of their backgrounds, as they pay homage to those who fought for their freedom. She emphasizes that the Unknown Soldier reminds them all of the shared history that unites them as one nation. She said: Rwanda, a nation scarred by the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, has strived to rebuild itself, guided by the values instilled by heroes like the Unknown Soldier. “These values hold a special place within our hearts (younger generation), who bear witness to the nation's remarkable transformation.”
