As Rwandans celebrate the 20th Liberation Anniversary, The New Times’ EdwinMusoni spoke to a number of people about their first encounter with RPA soldiers and life after. Many said they had been made to believe that the RPA/ Inkotanyi were aliens with tails and flaps. But the reality dawned on them when, after they abandoned their houses following exchange of fire between the RPA and the then government soldiers, they returned to a warm, reassuring RPA welcome. 

Paul Kayigana, 72. (Gatoma Sector, Gicumbi District) 

When RPA attacked from Kagitumba, we could hear stories about them but we hadn’t met them. One night we heard gunshots and fled our homes and went as far as Rebero hill. But we returned shortly after and found the RPA in control. They gave us food and protected us against thieves who were always stealing from us.

 We only heard about the Genocide. It never happened in our area because it was an RPA territory.

By then we had muddy schools, no roads and whoever fell sick had to use local herbs for treatment or die.

 Today, children are going to good schools with electricity, we have been given cows under Mutuelle de Sante (public health insurance scheme) roads and hospitals have been constructed, and we have hope for a better future.

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Jean Paul Ndayizeye, 28, a university student

We are enjoying the dividends of liberation, thanks to a citizen centered leadership, which encouraged us to embrace self-reliance principles. We have security, and are happy that every child in the community can access education, thanks to the education for all policy.  Well, liberation is a process but the country is on the right track, because our leaders are committed to addressing citizen challenges.

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Yohani Nkundiye, 66, a farmer (Gishyita)

Governments before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi were indifferent to our problems.  There were no development projects in place and we had no liberty in our own country. We thank our government for treating each and every Rwandan equally, and for equitably dispatching vital infrastructure like water, roads, schools and health centres across the country.

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Mwangaza Amani, 24, civil servant

RPA saved us from dictatorship. We later embarked on national development. At least we now have an idea of where we are going.  We have understood the benefits of self-reliance, which is the basis of our national development.

 When we contribute to Agaciro Development Fund, it is recorgnition that national development lies in our hands.

 The assignment awaiting us is just to reflect on what we have so far  achieved.  We appreciate the visionary leadership which is guiding us through this journey.

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Phoebe Nyiranjara, resident of Bubare village.

I have lived here since 2001. The struggle liberated me. I am no longer living in isolation. I thank God and the national army that helped liberate us. Now, they have embarked on building a health post for us and this will help relieve me of the constant back-ache, as well as knee and muscular pains. It has always been hard for me,  and as such it is always difficult for me whenever I need to travel a long distance to Rwempasha for medical assistance.

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Judith Nyiramirimo, 70, a farmer (Gishyita)

After the country’s liberation, RPF put  to an end divisionism and laid a strong foundation for national unity. Today, we have managed to achieve a lot in terms of development. We can now afford to use Rondereza (energy-saving stoves), which also safeguards the environment. We also have access to health care unlike before when life depended on the mercy of God. 

We also sleep on mattresses and not herbs like it used to be.

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Marceline Mukagasana, 62

The RPA invaded on October 1, 1990 but we heard about the invasion the following day. Everything remained calm until December when the RPA was moving towards Byumba and had a heavy exchange of fire with the FAR. We fled and went to Rushaki but returned towards Christmas. We stayed for about six months and that’s when FAR started scaring us that RPA where preparing an attack and that if we do not flee, they would eat us. They described the RPA fighters as cannibals with flappy ears stretching down to the knees and had long tails.

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Berthe Kambibi, 51, a farmer (Gatoma)

We are thankful to the government and President Paul Kagame.  After liberating the country, he taught us how to be good neighbours. We have understood his message and we are not ready to let him down. Unity and reconciliation will be our motto for ever.’