Twenty-eight years ago, today, just like many researchers and writers have put it over time, was a day many Rwandan refugees across the world had been waiting for to defend a dear cause and to others, it was a day of sacrifice. Coincidentally, it fell on a Monday, just like today October 1, 2018. While many celebrated, a group of young committed Rwandans who had embarked on the journey less travelled to free themselves and the country of injustice. Here below we reached out to our readers who give us their take on the October 1, 1990, a day that is engraved a history in quest for Rwandas liberation from the yoke of bad leadership. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East African Community October 1st 1990 is a historical day, which kicked off the fight against an ethnic dictatorship and the struggle for an inclusive and pluralist democracy. Camilla Abatoni, born October 1, 1990 I love that my birthday falls on the same day 28 years ago when many sacrificed their souls in a quest for our liberation. I thank RPF for their bravery, patriotism and heroism that led to the good leadership we have now. I wouldnt be here if they hadnt had the courage to free us from bad leadership. Ritha Gatsinzi, born October 1 So I remember when I was a small kid and my dad would always say this on the 1st of October, “uri intwali yanjye sha” he would emphasize that what they had started wasn’t to be in vain. Being born on such a remarkable date means a lot since I get reminded that some very young people put their lives on the line for the motherland not because they were the best but because they wanted what’s best for her. The RPF sacrificed all they had—which wasn’t much—and created a path for the rest of us to do better. It is always a reminder on my birthday that I have something I need to fulfill; I have a country that let go of much for me to be where I am today. The simple fact that I was born on the 1st of October should be motivation enough to look back and reflect on what our heroes did for this country and ask myself what’s my role in consolidating the already much gains for the future of Rwanda. It’s not over yet, the liberation struggle was just the beginning. Tom Ndahiro, Genocide scholar and former journalist October 1, 1990 remains a historical day for Rwanda. For so long Rwanda lived in sort of a cocoon with two successive governments of Kayibanda and Habyarimana which had made discrimination and ethnicity a norm and value to the people. What happened in 1994 was a culmination of what had happened from 1950s and 60s. The difference between the Rwanda of 1962 to 1990 and that of 1994 and 2018 is like Black and White. I have seen total and fundamental change unfold before my eyes. Phillipe Mpayimana, Politician and Former Presidential Candidate October 1st is the day I began my career as a journalist on the former state broadcaster ORINFOR. Amidst all that was going on that the time, I tried to serve the nation professionally and with love for the people and country. Many times I compared myself to the Inkotanyi; I admired their discipline and patriotism despite living as refugees for a long time. Inkotanyi shunned hatred and sectarian politics and I think that is good lesson for Rwandans living outside the country. On this day, I urge journalists to serve the country with patriotism because most of those I worked with only sunk the country into hatred. I also call upon Rwandans living abroad to be patriotic and have their country at heart in everything they do. Fred Rwiririza, Human Resources Manager, Pan-African Logistics Ltd. Well, that day means a lot to me personally, and to this nation I believe! This day marked the start of the end to impunity and a dictatorial regime that reigned in Rwanda. It marked the start of smiles on the faces of Rwandans, both living in the country and those in exile. The achievements of this nation in these 24 years after liberation came as result of taking the crucial step on 1st October, 2018! On this day, I look back and salute all Rwandan men and women who took part in the liberation struggle, both alive (and still guided by truth and integrity), and dead! I believe and truly believe that what they fought for will be achieved. However, the youth have to continue upholding on the values, Dos, and Donts that characterized those freedom fighters! Norbert Haguma, Secretary of Rwanda China Alumni Organisation To me, October 1st means action, it means acting on your convictions, it means acting against all odds, and it means acting because you know it is the right thing to do. It took incredible amount of courage for young Rwandan men and women to act backed by their faith and conviction to achieve the ultimate goal of liberation. Nelson Gashagaza, policy analyst On this day, I celebrate the level of consciousness of Inkotanyi. The ‘Inkotanyi’ were young women and men who have known only unexpected and shocking life. Despite, their experienced sufferings and struggles as refugees – their arms were not hungry for power, blood or revenge. They loved Rwanda that they only knew in poems, songs and stories – the Rwanda of “amata n’ubuki” – so choose to carry a message of inclusiveness and renewal. On this day, I salute the parents of Inkotanyi. Despite, the painful memory, and personal sacrifices they have made sometimes at the cost of personal healing, they raised women and men – a generation with a “clarity of purpose.” On this day, I reflect on the journey to be done. I realise that we are standing tall on these great shoulders and must do our part in moving this country forward because - aluta continua - the journey continues. Herbert Muhire, Communications Consultant This day always reminds me of how our leaders in their generation stood up to anarchy! That then creates in me a sense of pride and renewed devotion and determination to contribute whatever I can to advancing the precedent set. The youth especially are to uphold this kind of patriotism and ensure that together with other Rwandan citizens, locally and abroad, who share the same values, we build this gallant nation in continuity. Albert Rudatsimburwa, Journalist 28 years ago today, most of the people who led the liberation struggle were on average 25 years old. Apart from Afande Fred Gisa Rwigema who was 33, majority of the fighters were in their mid-twenties, they were not afraid to pay with their lives for what they believed in. So the challenge to the young people today is, what is your quest? The journey continues...
