Hundreds of young men and women, accompanied by people of all ages, embarked on a 21-kilometer liberation march from Nyagatare to Gikoba on Sunday, July 2 to commemorate the hardships endured by the RPF Inkotanyi in their quest to free Rwanda, and to serve as an inspiration for the generations to come.

The Eastern Province Governor Emmanuel Gasana said the main objective of organizing the Gikoba Trail Liberation Walk is to share the story of the Liberation struggle as a source of resilience for the younger generation, promote sustainable development in Rwanda, and serve as an inspiration to other nations.

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The Gikoba Trail holds a significant historical value as it represents the first terrain conquered by the RPA during the 1990 liberation struggle. The region known as "aga centimeter," which includes Tabagwe, Gishuro, Kaborogota, Gikoba, Shonga, Ndego, and a small section of Karama, is located just a few kilometers away from the Kagitumba border.

Captain (Rtd) Elizabeth Nyiramwiza, 76, a former RPA soldier who played a vital role in Rwanda's liberation struggle, told The New Times that the battles in Shonga and Gikoba were fiercely fought, with formidable enemy lines. However, through tactical maneuvers and unwavering determination, the RPA emerged victorious.

"When you reach Shonga Mountain, you will realize the intensity of the fight for our country's liberation. The FAR forces had surrounded all the mountains. We were constantly under attack from the enemy forces stationed on the opposing hills, such as Mabare, Bushara, Kabuga, Mutojo, Nyamirama, Kentarama, and Nyabihara. I fought because I wanted to return to my roots, and we were motivated by the goal of uniting all Rwandans," Nyiramwiza. said

Medard Bashana, a historian says that by early May 1992, the RPA had gained effective control over all eight enemy defenses, stretching from Tabagwe to Rukomo (a 25 km stretch) and from Mabare to Nyarurema (a 20 km stretch). This captured territory, known as Agasentimita, was of strategic importance to the enemy forces as it provided them a vantage point to launch attacks on the surrounding hills and mountains.

The presence of heavy artillery in the neighboring hills intensified the struggle for liberation. However, the determination of the RPA to reclaim their roots and the significance of uniting all Rwandans fueled their active participation and eventual capture of the area.

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In addition, Bashana, who is also the head of the liberation museum, said, "When President Paul Kagame assumed command of RPA, he instructed the battalions engaged in combat, such as Zulu, Echo, Yankee, and Bravo, to contribute soldiers for the siege of Kabuga. They cut off all supply lines for the enemy, depriving them of food, medical assistance, and other necessities. This strategy exposed weaknesses in the enemy&039;s defense and facilitated regrouping of RPA forces."

The liberation trail culminated at Gikoba, a location renowned for the two-meter trench called "Indaki," which served as the command center for the early days of the four-year war.

"The liberation walk vividly demonstrates the immense dedication and sacrifices made by former RPA combatants in their quest to liberate the country they held close to their hearts," added Bashana.

Currently, 29 sites of historical significance to the liberation have been identified, and plans are underway for their development.