On October 1, 1990, the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) began the liberation struggle. They were young, many of them in their late teens or early twenties yet they carried on their shoulders the heavy burden of restoring dignity, unity, and hope to a divided nation. They walked away from comfort and safety, choosing instead sacrifice and uncertainty, because they believed in a Rwanda where every citizen belonged. ALSO READ: ‘Patriotism is not about dying, it’s about defending’ – Gen Rwivanga Thirty-five years later, we, the young generation of today, enjoy a Rwanda that is peaceful, safe, and full of opportunity. For many of us, it is hard to imagine the darkness that came before this peace. But that is exactly why we must never take it for granted. The freedom we enjoy today was not handed down easily; it was earned through courage, discipline, and sacrifice. VIDEO: Brig Gen Rwivanga: Next generation of Rwandan soldiers won’t be less patriotic One important lesson from the liberation struggle is that young people are never “too young” to contribute to their nation. The RPA proved this. They were not just fighters; they were visionaries who believed that change was possible. They remind us that youth is not a limitation but a source of energy, innovation, and resilience. ALSO READ: Free my generation from the identity crisis trap Today, our responsibility is not to fight with weapons, but to defend Rwanda’s peace with how we live, work, and treat one another. Nation-building is not the task of a few; it is a duty for all. Everyone has something to contribute. For some, it may be through leadership and innovation. For others, through education, art, or farming. For all of us, it is through unity, integrity, and rejecting anything that threatens our peace. ALSO READ: Fred Gisa Rwigema: The ultimate sacrifice for us to live in peace Peace is not just about the absence of war. It is about the presence of justice, opportunity, and solidarity. It is about ensuring that no Rwandan feels left behind, and that our collective progress lifts every corner of our society. October 1 should therefore not only be a day of remembrance, but also a day of reflection. It is a reminder that peace is fragile if ignored, but powerful if protected. The RPA’s courage teaches us that the future belongs to those who are willing to act with conviction. The message of Isamaza teaches us that every Rwandan, young or old, rich or poor, has a role to play in keeping our nation moving forward. As today’s youth, we are the heirs of this hard-won peace. The question is: what will the next generation inherit from us? The answer depends on how seriously we take our jobs, our responsibilities, our character, and our desire to be better in protecting unity, nurturing peace, and building a Rwanda that continues to shine as a story of resilience and transformation. The gift of peace is in our hands. May we honour it not only in words, but in the choices we make every day. The writer is an international relations and diplomacy enthusiast.
