As Rwanda marked the 30th anniversary of liberation (Kwibohora 30), on Thursday, July 4, The New Times spoke to Rwandans from various parts of the country to hear from them about their perception of liberation, what the last 30-year reconstruction journey from the Genocide against the Tutsi means and where they want to see the country in the next 30 years.

Joseph Nizeyimana, photographer, Rusizi District

The liberation of this country has impacted us in many ways. People who had fled the country returned home, and children were able to go to school again. Families were re-united. I went to school, and this became the foundation of my life and the development of my family.

Today, we are using technology, which is immensely contributing positively to our lives. Rwandans are a united people thanks to Ndi Umunyarwanda. The country was rebuilt from scratch. We have good infrastructure. I believe that Rwanda will be much better in the next 30years, reaching more development.

The country still challenges that include genocide ideology and denial, but we have to keep fighting against these vices. What makes me most proud is being Rwandan and having a safe country I call home. This is important for generations to come.

Azela Uwimana, trader, Karongi District

Liberation is about being free. I am proud of this country for its safety, which encouraged me to work hard and support what has been achieved over the past 30 years.

I was born in 1997. I learnt that Rwanda was liberated in 1994 when RPF-Inkotanyi stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi. They abolished discrimination among Rwandans. I went to school, and no one asked where I came from or my ethnic group. Now I am a university graduate. The country is much safer than before. My family has grown bigger again after it was nearly wiped

The country has significant achievements; there are hospitals, schools, roads, and airports, among others.

Rwanda in the next 30 years will be more developed and incomparable to other countries if we continue on the current trajectory. As President Kagame has, a lot of things will change, including that youth will be facilitated to get access to finance, get more training, and work.

Sylvestre Nsengimana, founder, Poetry Slam Collective

Liberation Day symbolizes the nation's stability and peace. Today, unity allows everyone to engage freely in their businesses and daily activities. Rwanda's progress stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, making it a role model for many countries. This collective effort and harmonious coexistence are victories in themselves, showcasing the transformative power of a united society.

Gaston Sezibera, university student, Rubavu District

Liberation of Rwanda has led to increased use of technology and the living standards of Rwandans have improved significantly, in part because the country is united.

Before 1994, Rwanda had bad leadership, and people were less civilized. Some of the most important achievements are good roads, hospitals, schools, and the use of advanced technology. Rwanda in the next 30 years should address youth unemployment, which is one of the challenges this country faces today. Again, taxes cuts are needed to encourage business people to invest. As a Rwandan, I am proud of how the country has positioned itself on the international stage.

Jacob Rwaka Kagarama, employment officer, Gatsibo district,

In the 30 years since liberation, the face of employment in Rwanda has gradually changed and improved lives. We are no longer constrained by a lack of opportunities and we can now pursue our dreams and aspirations. The government's focus on creating jobs and supporting entrepreneurship has truly made a difference in the lives of many Rwandans. Roads, electricity, and other basic infrastructures have enhanced the rebirth of new businesses, providing more employment opportunities.

Valerie Musabyimana, resident, Huye District

Liberation to me means being elevated from extreme poverty. In the country where every vulnerable family get has to get a cow, a decent house, that is a milestone in terms of liberating Rwandans. This is a country where a child from a poor family gets free education. This never happened before 1994 because there was huge discrimination in schools. Liberating people from discrimination and divisionism in the country has taken us to a good level of national unity.

Cassien Nsengiyumva, petrol station attendant, Kayonza District

As a young person, I see how far we have come in rebuilding our country and fostering unity. In my village of Kabarondo, victims and perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi live in the same village, and that is a testament to the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. My generation has a responsibility to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. In the 30 years since liberation, my key takeaway has been unity. The government has played a crucial role in promoting reconciliation and healing. With unity as our foundation, I am confident that Rwanda will continue to thrive and prosper in the years to come.

Jolly Natukunda, farmer, Nyagatare district

At the beginning of the liberation struggle, I was six years old. My brother served in the RPA. We are grateful for their protection and the peace Rwanda enjoys today. My generations is indebted to them for having fought for a country that is allow us to live in harmony. It always reminds me that I have a tradition to uphold. I must, then, seize every chance that freedom has given me without holding back. I have been able to expand my farming business, the animals are insured, and we use fertilizers to grow crops. We are liberated from hunger and now we are focused on food security and targeting bigger markets for our produce.

Thabee Nyiransengiyumva, resident, Rusizi District

If we think of the past 30 years, women have been liberated in different ways. A woman had no say in family matters, she did not participate in leadership. Today, women occupy leadership positions. They have rights to land properties. They have rights to education under President Paul Kagame's leadership, which they had never had before 1994. Women are doing businesses contributing to the family development.

Emelyne Uwamahoro, student, Kayonza District

My parents told us that they never went to school because the previous governments never allowed them to study. As a student, I am grateful for the right to education I have enjoyed. I strive to make the most out of it. Education has given us the opportunity to break free from the limitations of the past and build a better future for ourselves and those around us.

Immaculee Bihoyiki, Rusizi Resident

Today, even if you walk during the night, you can be sure that no one will attack you. Rwanda today has safety and security. This is a big achievement. We thank President Paul Kagame for having led the liberation war. Children could not study and even those who could had to walk long distances to reach schools. Today schools are close to us.

Claude Nduwumwe, resident, Huye District

Liberation means a lot to ordinary citizens like me. Some people used to think of access to electricity and clean water as a luxury. Today we are making use of electricity to do our daily businesses and that is thanks to President Kagame's leadership. This is liberation in my eyes.

Eric Mutuyeyezu, resident, Nyamagabe District

If you mention Kwibohora, what comes to my mind is security and peace that we have today. There was a time when everyone thought the country could never have peace again. Without security nothing we can do to develop ourselves. In 1994, no one went to school but thanks to peace and security today all children are pursuing their studies. Youth were given TVET schools. After graduation they get access to finance to create jobs.

Moise Bahati, Emmanuel Nkangura, Shallon Mwiza, Germain Nsanzimana and Michel Nkurunziza contributed to this vox-pop.