Before we dive into the story, let's clarify one thing for younger readers who may be unfamiliar with the term Rwanda's Second Liberation War. A liberation war is a conflict fought with the aim of freeing a country from foreign control. Rwanda has experienced three such periods of liberation. The first liberation occurred during the reign of King Ndahiro II Cyamatare, when the Kingdom of Rwanda was under the control of King Nsibula of the Bushi Kingdom. The country was freed by King Ruganzu II Ndoli. The second liberation came during the reign of King Kalemera Rwaka, when the Kingdom of Rwanda was on the verge of being controlled by Burundi. It was King Cyilima II Rujugira who prevented this from happening. The third and most recent liberation was led by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), under the command of then-Major General Paul Kagame, now the President of Rwanda. You may ask, Which foreigner was ruling Rwanda when the RPA took up arms? Though Rwanda had gained independence, colonial influence persisted. While nations like Kenya and Tanzania fought for true independence, colonists maintained control over Rwanda, exploiting the country to support their interests in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now, let’s move to today’s topic: the establishment of battalions by King Cyilima II Rujugira, who defended his kingdom from the invasion of four neighbouring kingdoms. As mentioned in previous discussions, Cyilima II Rujugira was born in Ijuru rya Kamonyi. Due to certain circumstances, he fled to Karagwe. After returning, he was crowned king alongside his aunt Tulira, as his mother, Kirongoro, was believed to be dead. Following his coronation, he relocated from Kamonyi to Rukoma. To defend the Kingdom of Rwanda, King Cyilima II Rujugira and his children organised various battalions. His son Sharangabo led the Abakemba and Imvejuru, Gihana led the Abatanyagwa, and Ndabarasa commanded the Intarindwa and Ababito. Another of his daughters, Princess Mitunga, led the Abarima battalion. Additionally, Nyarwaya Karuretwa commanded the Indara and Ababanda, while his brother Mureganshuro led the Inkuba and Abakungu. The Indirira battalion was under the command of Muciye. Aside from his family, other Rwandan patriots, such as Kamali, son of Gahurira, contributed battalions like the Abatanguha, Igicikiza, and Imanga. Before confronting external threats, King Cyilima II Rujugira first had to deal with internal enemies, particularly supporters of his predecessor, King Kalemera Rwaka. The most powerful of these adversaries were Bicura, the eldest son of Kalemera Rwaka, and Binama, Rujugira’s own brother. Binama attacked Cyilima II Rujugira at his new residence in Rukoma but was defeated and killed at Kiyonza. Bicura also attempted a rebellion but fled to Burundi after his defeat. Once internal conflicts were resolved, King Cyilima II Rujugira turned his focus outward. Rather than waiting for neighbouring kingdoms to attack, he took the initiative and sent his battalions to the front lines. After discovering that his mother, Kirongoro, was still alive, having been spared by Buskete, Rujugira crowned her Queen Mother, replacing Tulira. King Cyilima II Rujugira sent the Abadahemuka, Inyaruguru, and Indirira battalions to the Rwanda-Burundi border at Gikongoro. Initially meant as a backup force, the Indirira battalion refused to stay behind, threatening to commit suicide if not allowed to fight. Their name, Indirira, meaning “those who cry to defend the kingdom,” reflects their determination. Rujugira sent the Inyakare, Indara, and Ababanda battalions to the Akanyaru border. Sharangabo and his Abakemba forces were assigned to the Kingdom of Gisaka, while Prince Ndabarasa took command in Ndorwa, supported by Kamali and his three battalions. These forces achieved King Cyilima II Rujugira’s goal, defeating the armies of the four kingdoms—Burundi, Gisaka, Bugesera, and Ndorwa—that had planned to invade Rwanda. A detailed account of these battles could fill another article. One fascinating aspect of this war was the practice of the Abatabazi—a ritualistic warfare involving human sacrifices—between Rwanda and Burundi. Both sides believed that offering a special person’s life to God would bring misfortune upon their enemies and lead to victory. Rwanda initiated this practice by sending Gihana, King Cyilima II Rujugira’s son, to die in Burundi. Gihana was killed by Rulinda, a cousin of the Burundian king, who then took his own life. In response, Burundi also sacrificed important individuals, including Kivunajoro, son of King Mwambutsa Nyarushamba, who died in Muhanga. However, Gihana’s sacrifice proved more powerful. To counteract it, Burundi sacrificed King Mutaga III Senyamwiza, believing that offering a king would outweigh the power of a prince. Yet, Gihana’s sacrifice prevailed. Thanks to the patriotism of these battalions and the sacrifice of Gihana, King Cyilima II Rujugira led one of Rwanda’s greatest military campaigns, defeating the powerful armies of four kingdoms. His victory cemented a legacy that continues to inspire Rwanda today—U Rwanda ruratera ntiruterwa (Rwanda attacks but is never attacked). In our next issue, we will explore the true story of the Babanda and Bashambo, a history distorted by colonialists to create division.
