At the Mulindi Liberation Museum in Gicumbi District, where underground bunkers, command posts and other sites preserve the history of Rwanda’s liberation struggle, 771 participants of the 16th cohort of Itorero Indangamirwa on Tuesday, July 15, gained a deeper understanding of the journey that led to the country’s liberation and laid the foundation for its recovery and rebuilding.

The cohort, which brings together young Rwandans from the diaspora, graduates of international schools, top performers in the Urugerero National Service Programme, and university students, is undergoing civic education training at the Rwanda Defense Force’s Combat Training Center – Gabiro, located in Eastern Province, until August 10.

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The visit forms part of Itorero broader civic education programme, which seeks to instill Rwandan cultural values and the spirit of Ubutore (exemplary citizenship), equip participants to face life’s challenges with resilience, nurture ambassadors of Rwanda wherever they live, and deepen their understanding of the country’s history, national vision and their role in safeguarding its achievements and contributing to national development.

Mulindi served as a pivotal base for the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) and its military wing, the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA-Inkotanyi), during the 1990–1994 liberation struggle. From there, key military operations were planned as the movement fought to end the regime that orchestrated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

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The Mulindi Liberation Museum preserves key sites used by the Rwanda Patriotic Army during the liberation struggle, including command posts, bunkers and other facilities that illustrate the planning, leadership and sacrifices behind Rwanda’s liberation.

Young Rwandans reflect on sacrifice and resilience

Ayaan Liban Mugabo, 18, a recent graduate of Green Hills Academy who grew up in Kigali, said the visit revealed the level of planning and determination behind the liberation struggle.

"The amount of planning that went into the liberation struggle and the different operations was remarkable. It was clearly meticulous, well planned and well-coordinated,” he said.

Mugabo said visiting key sites, including the Arusha House, where discussions on the Arusha Peace Accords were held, and the underground bunker where Paul Kagame, then Chairman of the RPA High Command and now President of Rwanda, worked during the liberation struggle, gave him a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices behind Rwanda’s liberation.

"They did what they had to do for the sake of Rwanda. Today’s visit has taught me to be grateful for everything the RPA went through,” he said, adding that the experience strengthened his appreciation of patriotism and resilience.

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Sabry Keith Ntwali, 20, who has lived in the United States for six years and studies economics at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan, said the visit reconnected him with his identity.

"Coming back here made me realise I was missing a piece of myself. Learning how the liberation struggle was organised and seeing how much Rwanda has developed has made me even prouder to be Rwandan,” he said.

Leslie Kabura, 18, who was born and raised in Luxembourg and is pursuing nursing, said the visit gave her a first-hand experience of history she had previously only read about.

"I came here to know more about the history of my country because I had only heard about it and read about it. Being here has allowed me to experience and better understand what happened,” she said.

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Kabura said the lessons learned would help her respond to genocide denial, which she said remains a challenge among some young people in the diaspora.

"When you know your history and you are proud of who you are, you cannot easily fall into denial. Coming here changed my perspective and gave me a deeper understanding of my country,” she added.

Olivier Collins Itangishaka, a Rwandan student at Portland State University who previously studied software engineering at the African Leadership University, said the visit demonstrated the power of unity and strategic leadership.

"Being able to see how the RPA was coordinated and organised through a place like this taught me a lot. It doesn’t look like a fancy place, but they were able to win the battle and the war by making effective use of these facilities,” he said.

Preserving liberation history for future generations

Eric Mahoro, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, said the visit is particularly significant because the participants belong to a generation born after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

"This programme is one of the initiatives through which we teach young people the history of our country, particularly the liberation struggle,” Mahoro said.

"They learn about the different periods Rwanda went through, including the breakdown of national unity, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and how the liberation struggle led to rebuilding national unity after the Rwanda Patriotic Army liberated the country.”

According to Mahoro, exposing young people to historical sites helps them understand not only the challenges Rwanda has overcome but also the values they are expected to uphold, including patriotism, unity, discipline and responsibility.

"It enables them to understand our history, learn from the mistakes of the past and appreciate the values they must preserve, such as love for the country and safeguarding the unity of Rwandans,” he said.

He added that the programme also enables young Rwandans living abroad to strengthen their connection with their homeland and better appreciate Rwanda’s progress.

"Although they live abroad, Rwanda remains part of who they are because they are Rwandans,” he said. "We want them to understand the country’s history, appreciate the opportunities Rwanda offers today and continue serving as good ambassadors of Rwanda wherever they are.”

Since its inception in 2008, Itorero Indangamirwa has trained more than 5,000 young people. According to Mahoro, many graduates have gone on to demonstrate patriotism, discipline and responsible leadership across different sectors, reflecting the programme’s long-term contribution to developing informed, resilient and engaged young citizens.