October 1 in Rwanda is more than a date on the calendar, it is a moment to pause, reflect, and honor a spirit that has defined the nation: Patriotism. It is a day to remember the sacrifices that shaped a country once torn by exile, division, and ethnic ideologies, and to celebrate the resilience that today sustains peace, unity, and hope. The roots of this day date back to October 1, 1990, when members of the Rwandan Patriotic Front/Army (RPF/RPA) made a decisive choice to leave refugee camps behind and take up arms not only with weapons, but with an unwavering commitment to liberate their country. ALSO READ: October 1, 1990, the patriotic Monday that was They faced a nation fractured by ethnic politics, where part of the population was denied the right to citizenship. The liberation struggle, which also led to RPA's stopping of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, fueled by ideals of unity and justice, set the stage for Rwanda’s rebirth. Thirty-five years later, Patriotism Day is both a remembrance and a reflection the values of sacrifice, resilience, and service. Do Rwanda’s youth today understand the full story of their history, and are they prepared to inherit the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s unity? Are the voices of those who lived through the country’s darkest chapter being heard while they still can guide the next generation? Members of the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum (REAF), a body of experienced veteran politicians and leaders who advise the President of the Republic on national development, offered their reflections. Their message is clear: patriotism extends beyond borders and battlefields, into everyday service, honesty, and integrity. ALSO READ: ‘Patriotism is not about dying, it’s about defending’ – Gen Rwivanga Boniface Rucagu, 79, is among these elders. Having seen the last days of the monarchy, lived through the First and Second Republics, and now the Government of National Unity, Rucagu is a firsthand witness to Rwanda’s political evolution. Yet, even under regimes that incentivized division, he resisted ethnic ideologies, often at great personal risk. “My leader friend introduced me to politics at a young age, where I saw people offending one another. Since then, I decided never to engage in ethnic ideologies,” Rucagu recalled. “Even under President Juvenal Habyarimana’s regime, when people were urged to join ethnic cleansing, I refused. If I were to lose my life, let it be known I was killed innocently, not because I participated in hatred.” For Rucagu, patriotism is inseparable from service to one's compatriots. “You cannot claim to love your country without loving its people. True patriotism is reflected in honesty, humility, and serving the good of others above your own,” he said. Beyond distancing himself from ethnic violence, Rucagu consistently upheld core values such as accepting positive change and choosing the right path, regardless of personal cost. “I embraced the governance changes introduced by the RPF-Inkotanyi and became an ambassador for that change. Choosing the truth, being on the right side, matters more than loyalty to friends or family,” he said. He believes that Rwanda’s challenges were less about ethnicity, religion, or regional differences, and more about greed and selfishness. He cited the colonial period of 1959, when authorities used goods to bribe local leaders. When citizens resisted, colonial powers encouraged them to rise against leadership under the guise of defending their economic interests. “Colonial powers realized they could exploit ethnic divisions to gain control, promising people property and wealth if they opposed the kingdom or the Tutsi community. Greed and selfishness drove people to pick sides, not ethnicity alone,” he explained. ALSO READ: 30 years later, RDF continues to inspire a nation He described history as a cycle of ignorance, greed, and violence, fueled by manipulation. According to him, one of the most remarkable chapters he witnessed was the rise of the RPF Inkotanyi, which brought revolutionary change, unity, and reconciliation. “It is evident how governments differ. After the RPF took power, they allowed the safe return of refugees, both Tutsi who had been exiled for decades and those who fled after participating in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” Rucagu said. “They told the people: we may have fought and won, but Rwanda is our country, and we were all misled. Come back, work together, and live as Rwandans. Political parties were also given the opportunity to operate freely. If the government had not taken this inclusive path, Rwanda’s story today would be very different.” ALSO READ: Patriotism Day: How ‘Culture and Heroism Clubs’ are taking shape in Rwandan schools Solange Mukasonga, 60, also a Rwandan elder who has lived through multiple administrations and has never resided outside the country. She has been part of the nation’s transformation under the RPF and believes that the history endured by Rwandans provides all the lessons necessary for survival and contributing meaningfully to the country’s development. She praised the patriotism of those who saved Rwanda from vanishing from the world map, emphasizing that patriotism should be practiced even in times of peace, as its meaning extends beyond wartime heroism. “Patriotism is not only reflected on the battlefield; it goes beyond your individual life to putting your country first, setting aside ethnic differences and other distractions,” she said. Reflecting on the dedication of the young RPA soldiers that shaped the country’s present, Mukasonga expressed concern that certain traditional values connected to patriotism could be fading. “Take patience, for example. It helps you focus on your goals and persevere. I am not a soldier, but looking at our devastating history, I believe they had patience of the highest level,” she said. “Today, technology has made everything faster. Young people are used to instant feedback, whether from the internet or daily life, and this can create a sense of entitlement. But there is no real difference between a battlefield and the development journey, the path still requires patience.” She also stressed the importance of honest historical education to prevent misleading young Rwandans. “History should be told honestly. The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi happened, and it was due to bad governance. People outside the country sometimes push genocide denial or spread genocide ideology. History must never be filtered,” she said. “Rwanda is unique. If you are Rwandan, you will always be connected to your country, wherever you go. Unity and reconciliation should be your only choice. Take pride in being part of the transformation journey so you can also celebrate its successes,” Mukasonga added. Acknowledging that Rwanda may lack abundant natural resources, she emphasized that its greatest asset is its citizens and the opportunities they create. She praised young people for showing interest in the country’s development and urged them to seize the opportunities available today—opportunities that previous generations did not enjoy, yet which helped create the Rwanda we live in now. “Real values start at home and are nurtured in the family. They begin with a child who cares for others and is willing to set aside personal interests for the benefit of others. Parents play a key role in instilling these values, and I challenge them to reflect on their responsibilities as educators and role models,” she said. Agnes Mukabaranga, a lawyer by profession and REAF member, survived the 1994 Genocide with the help of the RPF-Inkotanyi. Her life has since been a testament to unity and hope. She urges young Rwandans to seize the educational opportunities available today that previous generations never had. “A young person today can pursue a master’s degree abroad through scholarships made available by the government and international partnerships. These tools are your responsibility to use wisely,” she said. Mukabaranga also highlighted the family as the first school of values. “Patriotism starts at home. A child who learns to care for others, to put the community above personal interests, carries that lesson into the nation.” she said.
