In some of the darkest days of Rwandan history, as the country was ravaged by 11 years of strife and chaos, King Ruganzu Ndoli (1510-1543) emerged as the beacon of hope during these trying times. Ruganzu Ndoli, a prominent figure in the Banyiginya lineage, possessed the qualities required to rebuild a nation.

He orchestrated the creation of vital institutions and initiated a transformation that was essential for the nation's survival.

Ruganzu Ndoli's journey to leadership was not without challenges. His father, King Ndahiro II Cyamatare, sensed the impending danger surrounding his son's security. Fearing for his son's life due to the conspiracy of his own relatives and foreign forces, King Ndahiro II took a decisive step. He entrusted the young Ndoli to the care of his paternal aunt, Nyabunyana, who was the wife of Karemera Ndagara, the king of Karagwe.

ALSO READ: Rwandan history, Part 7: The Ascendancy of Mibambwe I

Ruganzu Ndoli found refuge in Karagwe, and it was during this time that writers penned Nyabunyana&039;s story, incorporating Rwandan cultural proverbs that celebrated her role. The saying, "Abakobwa ni nyampinga," which translates to "they are the owners of hill summits," symbolized the importance of women, signifying the honorable women of the royal court, "Abakobwa b’Ibwami."

In Rwandan culture, marriage was an intergroup affair, connecting everyone through their relatives. This notion gave rise to the belief that women served as ambassadors of society and the driving force behind social equality. Nyabunyana, the daughter of Yuhi Gahima (1444-1477), became the providential protector of Rwanda in its time of need. Nyabunyana maintained contact with the 'legitimists' who remained in Rwanda, known as "Abaryankuna," individuals who were exhausted but unwavering in their determination to revive the Rwandan nation-state. The political strategy of forging alliances with foreign countries through royal marriages was not new, as history revealed earlier when Matama, the queen mother of Yuhi Gahima, was married to a Rwandan monarch.

ALSO READ: Rwandan History: Unveiling an alternative perspective on political manipulation

Some of Ndahiro Cyamatare&039;s opponents attempted to eliminate the young Ruganzu Ndoli from Karagwe. However, Nyabunyana had devised a secret to identify enemies and safeguard her nephew, a secret that even Nyabunyana's brother, Bwimba, who aspired to contest the throne, could not pass. When the time came for Ruganzu Ndoli to return to Rwanda to fulfill his destiny, Nyabunyana secured a contingent from her husband to escort him. This group was placed under the leadership of a trusted man, Muyango, the son of Ruhinda, who was the brother of Ndagara, the king of Karagwe. This detachment formed the foundation of the renowned "Ibisumizi." Ruganzu Ndoli's return after 11 years of exile at Gatsibo k’imitoma was executed with utmost security.

Throughout Ruganzu Ndoli's mission to rejuvenate Rwanda, a woman named Nyirarumaga played a pivotal role. Hailing from the Abasinga clan, she became the de facto queen mother of Ruganzu Ndoli. During his espionage missions in Rwanda, Nyirarumaga saved Ruganzu Ndoli's life when he was cornered by would-be assassins. She paid a steep price for her loyalty, enduring the loss of a finger but refusing to reveal his whereabouts.

Nyirarumaga was the catalyst for the historiographic poetry of the country, and it was from her that the Abasinga clan became the breeding ground for poets of the royal court, known as "Abasizi b’ibwami." They formed an academy called "intebe y’Abasizi" and left an indelible mark on the cultural history of the country. Ruganzu Ndoli returned to Rwanda under clandestine circumstances, and Karemera Ndagara, the king of Karagwe, sought a souvenir in return for his protection. Karemera's dynastic name was integrated into the Banyiginya lineage, particularly bestowed upon Rwaka, the son and successor of Yuhi Mazimpaka. This diplomacy helped Rwanda avoid war with Karagwe. Upon his return, Ruganzu Ndoli began his mission by confronting his relatives who had supported Juru, an opponent of his father, Ndahiro Cyamatare. He then targeted the "ibihinza" petty kings. His initial victories included defeating Byinshi, the son of Bamara, and the elimination of a petty king named Rubingo, who had taken control of u Buliza. Ruganzu Ndoli's methods were shrouded in secrecy, and he was known as a master spy, always accompanied by his "ibisumizi" to ensure his safety. The journey of Rwanda's revival continued, with Ruganzu Ndoli at the helm, leading the nation towards a brighter future.

(source: traditional accounts, the history of Rwanda by UR researchers sponsored by NURC and ethno-histoire du Rwanda by Alex Kagame)

To be continued