As Rwanda commemorates Liberation Day on July 4, the voices of the nation’s youth echo with pride, gratitude, and hope. For many younger Rwandans, liberation is not just a chapter in history, it’s a lived experience marked by freedom of expression, access to education, opportunities for growth, and the peace that allows them to dream and build. Rwandan youth from diverse backgrounds share what liberation means to them. Kevine Bwenge Umurerwa, 25 years old, works at Serena Hotel As a young Rwandan, liberation means a lot to me especially because I come from a family that was directly involved in the struggle to free our country. I grew up hearing stories from my father, who proudly fought for Rwanda’s liberation. Seeing the pride in his eyes when he talks about what they accomplished makes me feel honoured and privileged. ALSO READ: Rwanda's decentralisation policy, a legacy of liberation They gave up everything and risked their lives so that we could live in a free, secure, and united country. They truly deserve to be celebrated. When I look at Rwanda today, the unity, the development, the growing tourism sector, and the peace we enjoy, I feel nothing but pride. I'm proud to live in a Rwanda they helped build. As the younger generation, we owe it to them to protect and sustain what they fought for. We must not allow ourselves to be misled by people trying to divide us or drag us back into the past. It’s our responsibility to preserve peace, promote unity, and reject negativity especially online. We see the progress with our own eyes. That’s why it’s up to us to carry this legacy forward. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s liberation struggle and its lessons for the youth Israel Nuru Mupenzi, the President of Peace and Love Proclaimers (PLP), a youth-led organisation based in Kigali. Liberation can mean different things to different people. But at its core, I believe it’s about breaking free from anything that was holding you or your country back. It’s about overcoming challenges, but it doesn’t end there. True liberation also comes with responsibility. It’s not just about gaining freedom but about what we do with that freedom afterward. As young Rwandans, whether we live in Rwanda or abroad, we must see liberation as a chance to be accountable. A chance to build on the progress of those who came before us, to go even further, and to do things they couldn’t. Our story should serve as a lesson. It should inspire others to overcome, to grow, and to become better citizens. That’s what liberation truly means to me. ALSO READ: The liberation struggle was not an obvious victory – Kagame Fabrice Mugabuhamye, 24, electronics supplier based in Huye As a young Rwandan, Liberation Day is more than just a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder of how far our country has come. It marks the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi, and the beginning of a new chapter built on unity, healing, and progress. For me, it’s a day to reflect on the sacrifices made and to honour the resilience of those who fought to rebuild our nation. It’s also a moment to appreciate the peace and stability we enjoy today, and to recognise how much Rwanda has transformed. But beyond remembrance, Liberation Day inspires hope. It encourages us to look to the future to contribute to a Rwanda that continues to grow, to unite, and to set an example for the world. It’s a reminder that even from the darkest past, a bright and peaceful future is possible. Jackson Sangwa, 26, wholesaler in Kayonza To me, liberation means living in freedom, having the right to speak, to thrive, and to enjoy life in a peaceful country where no one is being oppressed or left behind. When I think about Rwanda’s past, the pain of our history, the killings, the division, and a government that once encouraged violence, it makes me appreciate how far we’ve come. Today, we live in a country with security and stability, and that’s what liberation truly means to me. As young people, we owe so much to the older generation who gave their lives for this peace. Our role now is not just to enjoy the benefits of what they achieved, but to protect and build on it to ensure no one can take us backward. That’s how we honour their sacrifice. Esther Uwumugisha, 23, university student in Musanze District Liberation means breaking free from anything that once held us back. It’s about leaving behind the divisions that separated us and embracing a future where we are united. Today, we all go to school together, with no discrimination, we are one people, living in peace that benefits everyone. We deeply appreciate those who gave their lives so that we could have this bright future. It’s our responsibility now to protect and sustain everything they fought for. Jennifer Gihozo, 22, contemporary dancer in Rubavu District Liberation means freedom to create without fear, to tell stories that once had to be whispered and one that encourages expression and healing. I understand that my creativity exists today because someone fought for my right to be heard. Art is no longer just about beauty; it’s about truth, identity, and progress. That’s why I use my talent and my work to inspire peace, reflect on our history, and push us forward. That’s how I honour the sacrifice of those who made liberation possible. Josiane Giramata, a lash technician in Bugesera District To me, liberation is having the chance to dream big. It’s the freedom to go to school without fear, to sit in the same classroom with people from every background, and to be judged by my potential, not my ethnicity or where I come from. I know that wasn’t always the case. There was a time when education was interrupted by war, division, and hate. But today, I walk freely in the halls of my school because others walked through hard times for me. That’s why I don’t take this opportunity for granted. I study not just for my future, but to honour the people who fought and died so I could have one. Prince Gatera, 19, high school graduate in Ngoma District Liberation is more than a national event, it's the foundation of who I am, it means I can speak proudly about where I come from, without shame or fear. It means I can contribute to rebuilding my country whether through ideas, investments, or raising awareness. I wasn’t there during the struggle, but I know I have a responsibility to continue what they started. Our role is to protect the legacy of liberation by being ambassadors of peace, progress, and truth. Nivelle Mahoro, Rwandan living in Morocco Liberation marked the end of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the victory of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which brought an end to the genocide and restored peace and stability to the country. The day is a time for Rwandans to reflect on the progress the country has made since 1994 and to celebrate the heroes who fought for liberation. It's a national holiday and a time for Rwandans to remember the sacrifices made and to renew their commitment to building a prosperous and unified future
