'The youth must jealously protect the gains of liberation' – Col (Rtd) Jill Rutaremara

The generation that liberated Rwanda is gradually handing over the baton to one that knows the country's darkest chapter only through history books, memorials and national commemorations. ALSO READ: How Kagame masterminded RPA’s decisive campaign against Genocide within hours For retired Colonel Jill Rutaremara, that transition comes with a clear responsibility: young Rwandans must become the custodians of the unity, security and development won through the liberation struggle. ALSO READ: Habyarimana's role in planning, implementing 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi If others can do it, why not me? That is the question Rutaremara, the Director of Rwanda Peace Academy, a regional peacekeeping training and research institution, wants every young Rwandan to ask. As Rwanda marks the 32nd anniversary of Liberation Day, he told The New Times, the country's future depends not on a generation that fought the liberation war, but on one determined to safeguard its achievements through patriotism, hard work and national service. ALSO READ: Why genocide ideology doesn’t dissolve three decades after dispersion of genocidaires Asked what message he would you like to share with the country's youth about preserving the gains of liberation and shaping Rwanda's future, he acknowledged that today’s youth do not have “the experience we have because we lived in a different time and space.” ALSO READ: We are misreading the FDLR threat: It is dangerous incubator of genocide ideology, not just an armed group He added: “But they also have their own experience. More importantly, they can learn from those who lived it. All that is required is the will and desire for continuous learning from the senior citizens and from other sources including books, newspapers such as The New Times, speeches and wise counsel, for example, through the speeches by His Excellency the President and other senior leaders. The fact that one was young in 1994 is not a sufficient excuse. “Another message is related to self confidence that I earlier alluded to. Rwanda was liberated largely by the youths. The youth should ask themselves one question; if others can do it, why not me? And, I want to assure the youth that many of them are already making valuable contributions, be it in the military or outside the military. More youth should come on board.” ALSO READ: ‘Patriotism is not about dying, it’s about defending’ – Gen Rwivanga Rutaremara said the responsibility now rests with the younger generation to safeguard the gains of liberation. “A lot of blood was shed in order to liberate Rwanda. Since 1994, enormous progress has been made and various institutions built. The youth should jealously defend and protect the gains of the national liberation and even contribute to more development because a lot remains to be done.” ALSO READ: Three decades later, RDF continues to inspire a nation What is required here, he explained, is for the youth to imbibe positive values that we are constantly reminded of by President Paul Kagame and other leaders. “This is the only way to guarantee the unity, security, and prosperity of Rwandans.” Look out for the full interview in our publication on Monday.

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'The youth must jealously protect the gains of liberation' – Col (Rtd) Jill Rutaremara