On Saturday 17th November 2007, Kigali City, Rwanda’s celebrated capital, marked one hundred years since its establishment. The festivities that climaxed at Amahoro National Stadium were more than a mark of solidarity among Rwandans.

The several activities that saw among others; the creation of a recreation park in Kimihurura; the re-naming of streets and roads; a City Mayors’ conference and a host of other functions, were just a few highlights that brought together communities with diverse philosophies of life.

Various dignitaries and entertainment groups from the African continent never hesitated to honour the invitations and above all, to fully participate in the pre-organisation of the celebration that later turned into a unifying factor.

This is what it means to celebrate a century of existence; an occasion to do things together in unison though with diverse beliefs. It is more than a mark of solidarity; it’s a celebration of unity in diversity.

The solidarity which emanated from the unity in diversity that showed up at the 100 years celebrations is a further stride in the peace and reconciliation programme that Rwanda is greatly achieving.

To many, such celebrations may be understood as a commemoration of yet another 100 years to come, but to a greater number, it is a mark of solidarity and unity in diversity that exists in Kigali, the heart and nucleus of Rwanda’s economic development.

In The Sunday Times Magazine, we bring you an in-depth coverage of the celebrations, and Kigali’s existence through the colonial, pre-colonial, and modern times.

Keep reading The Sunday Times.