A group of 22 young Rwandans, aged 12 to 26, from the Rwandan community in the Central African Republic (CAR) have embarked on a transformative study tour in Rwanda, aimed at reconnecting with their roots. These youths, members of the “Isango cultural” group from the capital city, Bangui, represent a generation eager to explore the history and vision of their homeland. ALSO READ: Rwanda-CAR cooperation fruitful, says President Touadéra This visit, which began on August 23 and is set to conclude on September 2, was organised through the efforts of the Rwandan community in CAR, with support from various Rwandan government institutions namely; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET), Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), Ministry of Youth and Arts, Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA), Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), and others. The visit comes as part of the “Come and See” initiative, a program aimed to encourage Rwandans living in CAR to return and reconnect with their country. The group has been able to visit several historical sites in Rwanda, including the Richard Kandt Museum, Kagitumba border post and Gikoba Liberation Trail in Nyagatare District, Gatuna, Rubaya, Rukomo and Mulindi in Gicumbi District, the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Campaign Against Genocide Museum and several more on the schedule. Each of these locations holds deep historical and cultural significance, providing the young Rwandans with a profound understanding of their country’s past and present. RDF in CAR sparked the initiative This initiative traces its roots back to 2014 when the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) were deployed to CAR on a peacekeeping mission. At that time, the Rwandan community in CAR, which numbers over 300, largely saw themselves as refugees. Many of them had fled Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, passing through the DR Congo before finding refuge in CAR. Through various mobilisation programs, the RDF discovered the presence of many Rwandans living in CAR and immediately began providing support. This support included education about Rwanda, its values, and the unity of Rwandans, which helped to shift the community's perception of themselves from refugees to proud members of the Rwandan diaspora. Over the years, these young Rwandans have grown up hearing stories of their homeland from the RDF troops and have participated in various government programs that further deepened their connection to Rwanda. Their involvement with the Rwandan Mission in Bangui has also played a crucial role in maintaining their cultural ties. According to Gaudance Uwera Mignone, President of RCA, the RDF played a crucial role in laying the foundation for a strong and united Rwandan diaspora in CAR. Despite the challenges, the forces succeeded in bringing the Rwandan community together, which eventually led to the formation of the Isango cultural group. This group, composed of children from various Rwandan families in CAR, regularly performs traditional Gakondo dances during cultural events organised by the Rwandan community. The “Come and See” initiative began in January this year,” Uwera explained. “Our community, in collaboration with Rwanda’s Mission in CAR, came together to propose the idea of these young Rwandans visiting their homeland.” She noted: “The process began, and thankfully, we made it happen. These youths were previously unrecognised and lacked official identification. However, each of them has now received a national identity card, and we are in the process of providing them with Rwandan passports. They were thrilled to receive their IDs, and they will return to CAR as recognized Rwandan citizens.” “This initiative is a meaningful step forward and is expected to register positive results in the future,” Uwera emphasized. She acknowledged that language remains a challenge, as many members of the community still struggle with Kinyarwanda, however, she is optimistic that will soon change. Josiane Mbabazi, a 24-year-old third-year university student pursuing a degree in Logistics and Transport, shared her lack of knowledge about Rwanda’s history, particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “We were told wrong things about our country but now, having seen things firsthand, my perspective has changed. Rwanda is nothing like what I imagined. I’ve witnessed unity, cleanliness, and efficient service delivery. This experience is something I’ll share with my family when I return home.” “My mother always told me that one day I would return to my homeland, and I held onto her words. During the ‘Come and See’ process, I saw the involvement of Rwanda’s government which made me believe it. It’s incredible to witness what I had only heard about. Seeing it with my own eyes is even more impactful,” said Iman Umuhire, a 19-year-old high school graduate aspiring to become an ambassador for his motherland.
