At least 500 youths drawn from different sectors of Nyagatare District last week on June 30 participated in a 30-kilometre trail in memory of the struggle that ended with the liberation of the country on July 4, 1994. The trail, which was also attended by different leaders at the provincial and district level, covered different historical sites for the four-year liberation struggle that was fought by Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), the armed wing of RPF-Inkotanyi. It was organized ahead of the 28th liberation day celebrations due to take place on Monday, July 4. The liberation trail went up to Gikoba, a place that is most popular for the two-metre trench “Indaki” that accommodated the commander of the liberation struggle in the early days of the four-year war. They trench is located in Tabagwe sector, in an area known during the liberation struggle as Agasentimetre covering the areas of Gishuro, Kaborogota, Gikoba, Shonga, Ndego and some parts of Karama. “We covered a six-hour walk of over 30 kilometres and majority of the participants were students and different leaders. We used the opportunity to thank President Paul Kagame who led the liberation struggle to victory. “It was a liberation that gave us life, development, unity and good governance. This walk therefore has special meaning that takes us back to our own history and we relate it to where we are now’’. The mayor of Nyagatare district Stephen Gasana outlined the numerous achievements registered over the past 28 years. “Our district plans to upgrade the liberation trail to preserve all historical sites of the liberation struggle. We will also put in place the necessary infrastructure like roads leading to such places to make them more accessible,” he said. He added that they are currently working with Rwanda Development Board to ensure the trail is more appealing to tourists through introducing activities like biking, hiking and pastoral and community experiences tied to these liberation sites. The Chancellery of Heroes and National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO), was among the organisers of the trail and Deo Nkusi, the Executive Secretary of CHENO reflects on the importance of this activity; “Organising this helps in sharing and presenting information of the liberation struggle mainly to the youth is a core foundation of a resilient and sustainable development of our country,” he said, adding that this, in one way or another may also inspire other nations. He added: “The liberation walk therefore elucidates the high level of dedication and sacrifice portrayed by former RPA combatants in the process of liberating the country they always have at heart. Fred Muneza, an 18-year student of Tabagwe Secondary School, thanked the authorities who organized the walk, saying that he had learnt a lot. “I have leant a lot of lessons and for me this was a life time experience. I was able to learn the liberation history directly from those who participated in the struggle. I now know what it took for our country to be where it is today,” he said. Medard Bashana who heads the liberation museum recounted to the participants of the trail the historical meaning of Nyabwishongwezi Hill, where the first leader of RPF/A Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema was killed. “We are currently carrying out a study on how best this hill can be turned into a tourist site. In the near future, tourists will be vising this important hill to see by themselves signs of liberation struggle right from the beginning,” he said. Other potential sites to be developed in the area include the training wing where young recruits were taken through drills before they were sent to the frontline. The liberation walk was attended by different authorities including the youth, security officials, district and provincial leaders and district security administration. The Liberation History Tourism Trail is being developed as a potential revenue earner for the country’s tourism industry and a number of stakeholder meetings have been held including with the Ministry of Defence. So far, 29 sites of historical significance to the liberation have been identified and plans are underway to develop them. It is expected that through this tourism product, both local and foreign tourists will learn more about the liberation struggle that started on October 1, 1990 and ended on July 4, when the Rwanda Patriotic Army put an end to the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. In addition to that, it will diversify the country’s tourism offerings and revenues and provide more employment opportunities to people working at the sites. Looking back, the genocide against the Tutsi was stopped 28 years ago and the new leadership embarked on the struggle to return the country to normalcy, bring back unity, security and safety of people and their property, restore their right to live, to education, to health and to shared prosperity. Indeed, Rwanda has achieved a lot but a lot remains to be done. Young and brave liberation struggle fighters who gave their all for the Rwanda we see today inspire the new generation to serve the country without reservation. The youth today are called upon to embrace the values of sacrifice, integrity, courage and determination to carry on the legacy of the liberation struggle. In his speech during the Liberation Day celebrations last year, President Kagame said; “Twenty-seven years ago, Rwandans joined hands to liberate our country. Ever since, we have worked together every day to renew our society and make Rwanda the best it can be for each one of us…I want to thank you for this. Today, Rwanda is not just a place on the map. For us, it means something that we can all identify with and be proud of, and in which we feel valued. Rwanda means hope. It means that we care for one another.” Participants walk a 30-kilometre trail in memory of the struggle that ended with the liberation of the country on July 4, 1994, in Nyagatare District on June 30. The Governor of the Eastern Province speaks to the media during the trail. The Mayor of Nyagatare, Stephen Gasana addresses the youth after completing a 30 km walk. The trail covered different historical sites for the four-year liberation struggle that was fought by Rwanda Patriotic Army. Youth celebrate the countryachievements after walking a 30 km trail in memory of the liberastion struggle in Nyagatare District.
