In the words of the great Maya Angelou, “The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are.” History transcends in different ways and to each one of us we interpret that transcendence in different ways. The history of Rwanda is one that has become known to many across the world, but to those of us who call Rwanda home, our history means something deeper. This past weekend I was delighted to spend time visiting various liberation sights in the Northern Province of Rwanda. This excursion was organized by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to push forward local tourism but most importantly to depict an integral portion of Rwanda’s story, struggle and triumph.
As someone born in the post-genocide generation, majority of us grow up hearing stories of the struggle from our parents, uncles, and other elders around us. These stories always seem to leave a sense of gratitude because it gives a grander meaning to the Rwanda we have now. As someone who has always been intrigued by the history of Rwanda, I was beyond excited when I was asked to join this experience. It was one of those moments where I could place a face to an experience. We were guided by Medard Bashana who was been doing this job for about 10 years and has knowledge of our history, dating back to as far as 1959. His prowess in explaining the different events of the struggle was what pushed me to be further reflective about how my generation needs to be more avid about learning our history and the work, effort, and sacrifice that has gone into giving us the Rwanda we have now.
The Rwanda we have now is a success story; a true phoenix risen from the ashes. For many in my generation, we can never fully understand all the time, energy, sacrifice, and endurance that it took to get us to where we are now, however we can get glimpses of it when we delve into our own history. Like the excitement of putting a face to someone you have been talking to, visiting the various sites enabled me to put a face to the places I had heard about and learn about many more. In addition to that, I became more grateful for the leadership we have today. The RPF is an excellent reminder that uncertainty of victory should never stop the marathon from continuing.
Here is what I leave with you, know your roots and your history. There is value in what was because is gives a grander meaning to what we have today. Secondly (as always), gratitude is an absolute must. As a person who gets to enjoy the fruits of our parents’ labor, it is imperative that we understand where all that we have has come from and treat it with the value with which it deserves. Third to the older generation, allow us to have candid conversations with you. Your story has gotten us here, and it is coming time for us to carry the torch forward and that cannot be done without knowing your story. Your story is my country’s story, my story, and my future children’s story.
Most of all, mwarakoze kuduha u’Rwanda rutemba mwo amata n’ubuki. U’Rwanda ruduheka, rukaduhesha ishema.
For more details on the tour, check out this article:
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/photos-memorable-trail-across-key-rpa-liberation-sites
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