At the National Heroes Mausoleum in Remera stands a tomb without a name or remains. Known as the Unknown Soldier, it serves as a powerful national symbol honouring all those who died defending Rwanda but whose individual identities were never recorded. The monument represents a collective sacrifice that transcends time, recognising generations of men and women who gave their lives for the nation without public recognition. ALSO READ: A closer look at heroism before, during and after colonialism According to the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO), the Unknown Soldier represents a collective sacrifice that transcends generations. “It is a symbol representing all foreign soldiers who died on the battlefield while protecting and preserving Rwanda’s sovereignty,” said Nicolas Rwaka, Director of Research at CHENO. “This dates back to before the colonial era, from the time of the founding father Gihanga, to today and even into the future.” Rwaka said the symbol is intentionally forward-looking. “We recognise that there will always be heroes who die for their nation,” he noted, explaining that Rwanda honours sacrifice itself rather than specific events or timelines. “What matters is that they fought to the extent that Rwanda exists today. We honour them through this symbol of the Unknown Soldier.” ALSO READ: Ubutwari 2024: How national heroes are selected This meaning is further reflected in the newly designed grave shelters at the mausoleum, inspired by the phrase “Intwari ntipfa ahubwo irataha”—“A hero does not die but rather returns home.” The design draws from the traditional Rwandan house entryway, inkomanyirizo z’umuryango, symbolising the act of returning home and affirming the nation as a permanent home for its heroes. Under the 2024 law governing CHENO, a hero is defined as a person whose pursuit of objectives results in a supreme achievement in the public interest, marked by nobility, courage, resilience and exceptional sacrifice. Core values include integrity, patriotism, vision, bravery, truthfulness, magnanimity and humanity. ALSO READ: Heroes Day: Kagame urges Rwandans to uphold unity, truth Each year on February 1, Rwanda observes Heroes Day, recognising individuals and symbols across different categories, depending on the nature and impact of their sacrifice. The Unknown Soldier as a Supreme Hero The Unknown Soldier belongs to the highest category of heroes, Imanzi (Supreme Heroes), a distinction shared by only one other figure—the late Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema, co-founder of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) Inkotanyi, who was killed on the second day of the liberation struggle in 1990. While Rwigema is honoured for his documented leadership and personal sacrifice, the Unknown Soldier embodies a collective legacy rather than the deeds of a named individual. ALSO READ: THROUGH PICTURES: Rwanda marks 31st National Heroes Day Why the Unknown Soldier comes first The Unknown Soldier stands apart from all other heroes because it represents a timeless and collective sacrifice rather than the actions of a single person. “Rwigema is honoured as a person, based on his individual actions and leadership,” Rwaka explained. “The Unknown Soldier, on the other hand, is not an individual but a symbol of many.” ALSO READ: Home of national hero Felicité Niyitegeka becomes museum He added that its placement is deliberate. “The Unknown Soldier comes first because it begins with Rwanda itself. No individual came before the nation,” Rwaka said. “This symbol represents the emergence and continuity of Rwanda, while all other heroes came after.” Other categories of heroes The second category, Imena, includes figures whose actions profoundly shaped Rwanda’s history and moral foundation. They include King Mutara III Rudahigwa, honoured for promoting unity, opposing divisionism and advancing education during his reign, which ended with his death in 1959 in Bujumbura under circumstances that remain unclear. Also recognised is Michel Rwagasana, former secretary to the King, remembered for his resistance to ethnic discrimination and unwavering commitment to national unity, even at the cost of his life. Agathe Uwilingiyimana, Rwanda’s first female Prime Minister, is honoured for her courage and principled opposition to divisionism during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Félicité Niyitegeka is commemorated for refusing to abandon Tutsi refugees under her care at the Saint Pierre Centre in Gisenyi during the genocide. The students of Inyange, who in 1997 refused to separate along ethnic lines and instead chose to protect one another despite grave risk, are also recognised under the Imena category. The third category, Ingenzi, remains unoccupied. It is reserved for individuals whose extraordinary acts carry exceptional significance for Rwandan society. According to CHENO, research to identify candidates in this category is ongoing and awaiting approval.
