The liberation struggle that brought to an end the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi will remain a major milestone for the Rwandan people. And, this is not only because it relieved the country of a murderous and divisive regime, but also because it marked the beginning of a revolution that set the country on a path to prosperity.

In understanding this mind boggling journey, it is important that one looks at the engineers of the drive starting with where it all began.

The brains behind the current Rwanda started by forming what is known today as the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi). In the beginning, it was a handful of individuals. Together, they built a strategy that was hinged on mobilising Rwandans in all corners of the world. Those who were mobilised underwent a cadreship training programme.

Fortunately, there were already existing structures such as the Rwandese Refugees Welfare Foundation (RRWF), which had been formed in 1979 to safeguard the culture and solidarity of Rwandan refugees who had fled their country following the persecution of the Tutsi.

One of the most effective tools was the use of dance. A cultural troupe known as Amaraba group was created and taught how to dance and sing. This brought together Rwandans from all walks of life and during the shows and concerts, strategies about ending a life of refuge were discussed which kept the spirit of returning home alive.

From building a support base from the grassroots, the RPF managed to mobile Rwandan men and women to who embarked on the liberation struggle in October 1990.

The Liberation struggle

The converging point was at Kagitumba where the overall commander, the late Maj. Gen. Fred Rwigema, briefed the combatants with enthusiasm and excitement. He reminded them that the armed struggle they had just launched was not going to be a walk-over; that it was going to be very costly in very many ways.

He said that he expected no cowards. But added that if there was anyone who felt they were not combat ready, then was the time to go back to wherever they had come from. No one showed any sign apart from the commitment to march to Kigali.

"Please be informed that there is no retreat,” Rwigema said. "Advance, hit the enemy and liberate the country,” he said. We were to lose him only after the second day. His last words were: "Adui amenipiga” (Kiswahili for ‘the enemy has hit me’), and indeed he was gone – RIP our Hero.

After his death, total confusion broke out both on the battlefield and within the RPF members that were organising and supporting the war. The top commanders who knew about the sad incident kept it secret for about two weeks for fear that the fighters would lose morale, with a likely desertion and, ultimately, losing the war.

Matters were made worse when more senior commanders, including Majors Peter Bayingana and Chris Bunyenyezi were also ambushed and died in the infant stages of the struggle.

RPF announced their death on October 28, 1994. 

Overcoming the setback

Things turned sour after the RPA lost its top commanders at the beginning of the armed struggle. There was no sense of coordination. Units did what they deemed fit, without the blessing or guidance of the central command as it did not exist. There was a lot of confusion and loss of morale among the troops.

Then came Paul Kagame. He was at a prestigious military school in the USA when the war started. On hearing the sad news, he dropped everything and travelled back to join the armed struggle.

Upon his arrival, he took up the responsibility of organising a defeated force. He re-organised the strategies, gave new directions, after going back to the drawing board and emerging with a new game plan that involved shifting bases and changing war tactics.

His taking charge instilled confidence in the troops right from the time he took over up to the time he liberated the country and stopped the Genocide.

The RPF took over a country that had been reduced to ashes. A lot was on the plate. Rebuilding a country from scratch was never to be a walkover. Getting rid of hate and reconciling the people, resettling returnees and generally putting the house in order.

Looking back 21 years down the road, it is pretty much a miracle. Women have their place in society, the Rwandan people are more unified than ever and are beginning to enjoy the dignity they have yearned for a long time.  The fight against poverty is being taken on and, so far, the results have been encouraging.

Crafting a brighter future

Every struggle has a beginning and an end. The struggle to liberate the country against the genocidal forces was a success. The next stage is fighting poverty and strengthening the country’s institutions. This phase requires a lot of attention and puts the generation of the liberators to test. A larger part of the population comprises the youth. The liberators still have the responsibility to guarantee continual growth, unshakeable institutions and stability of the country.

In two years time, Rwanda will go to the polls to elect a President. Based on Kagame’s track record and the challenges abound, I strongly believe that he is the ideal candidate to safely steer the country through the uncertain waters that lay ahead. He has faced numerous tests and has always come out on top.  Rwanda could use his leadership beyond 2017 to ensure a more prosperous country for its young generations.

The writer is a female cadre who joined the RPF-Inkontanyi in 1987 and was a member of the famous Amaraba dance troupe. She was a refugee and offered RPA combat troops logistical support during the struggle.