Every year on July 4, Rwanda celebrates Liberation Day, marking the day in 1994 when the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) brought the Genocide against the Tutsi to an end. It is a time to honour the heroes who liberated the country and laid the foundation for its ongoing journey of rebuild and development. To better understand the meaning of this day, The New Times has compiled a list of films and books that explore Rwanda’s liberation journey, the people behind it, and the lessons that still resonate today. ALSO READ: Kwibohora: Rwanda's decentralisation policy, a legacy of liberation Films The 600 Produced by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Richard Hall, The 600 is a documentary that recounts the heroic efforts of a battalion of 600 Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) soldiers who were stationed at the Parliamentary Building (formerly CND) at the onset of the genocide. Surrounded and outnumbered, these soldiers launched a counteroffensive, rescuing thousands of civilians and pushing back against a force of 10,000 genocidal troops. The film captures their bravery, their trauma, and the critical role they played in halting the genocide. Ndi Umunyarwanda Based on research by former Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, this documentary examines the historical roots of Rwanda’s divisions and the path toward healing and unity post-genocide. Drawing from his book ‘Rwanda: Building a Model Nation State’, Habumuremyi highlights how the RPF-led government ushered in a new vision grounded in national unity, patriotism, truth, and resilience. The film captures both historical context and the philosophy driving Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery. Inkotanyi Directed by Christophe Cotteret, Inkotanyi dives deep into the ideology, discipline, and strategic resolve of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA). Through powerful interviews with the likes of President Paul Kagame, President Yoweri Museveni, and other key leaders, this French language documentary (with English subtitles) explores why the RPA succeeded where others failed. Cotteret portrays the RPA as one of the most disciplined liberation movements in Africa, showing how young, often untrained fighters took on a brutal regime and won. Intore Directed by Eric Kabera, Intore takes a cultural lens to Rwanda’s recovery. It tells the story of how Rwandans reclaimed their identity through traditional music, dance, and a spirit of resilience. Featuring emotional testimonies, stunning performances, and reflections from survivors and perpetrators, the film is a celebration of Rwanda’s rebirth and the power of forgiveness. Books Inzira y’Inzitane yo Kwibohora kw’Abanyarwanda Written in Kinyarwanda by the late Logan Ndahiro, this book translated as The Difficult Journey of Rwandans' Liberation offers a firsthand account of the liberation struggle by someone who lived it. Ndahiro joined the RPA in 1990 and later served as a Member of Parliament. His detailed chronicle provides invaluable insight into the early days of the RPF's military and political campaign. Intwari y’Izahabu Yakebanuye u Rwanda Translated as The Golden Hero Who Resurrected Rwanda, this book, written by Jean de Dieu Nsanzabera, highlights the leadership and role of President Paul Kagame in rebuilding the nation. It follows Nsanzabera’s earlier work, Intwari z’Imbanza, and together, the two books trace over 900 years of Rwanda’s history from its ancient roots to its modern-day transformation. Rwanda: Rebuilding of a Nation Edited by Alfred and Joseph Rwagatare, this book presents Rwanda’s journey from a nearly failed state to a country known for innovation and unity. It highlights how Rwanda’s development is deeply rooted in inclusive governance, national security, and gender equality. It’s a sweeping look at Rwanda’s transformation through a post-liberation lens. To Rwanda and Back: Liberation, Spirituality and Reconciliation In this book, Mary C. Grey, a renowned feminist theologian, shares her deeply personal journey to Rwanda, which changed her understanding of justice and healing. Blending memoir and theology, she reflects on the spiritual dimensions of liberation and reconciliation, weaving global lessons into Rwanda’s specific experience.
