Rwanda, often referred to as the child of the Kingdom of Belgium, officially gained independence on July 1, 1962, marking its birth as a modern state. In this sense, Rwanda will turn 63 on July 1, 2025. However, this narrative only scratches the surface of Rwanda's extensive and ancient history. Rwanda existed long before Belgium—indeed, long before many kingdoms and civilizations that dominate historical discourse. It predates the Kingdom of England, the Kingdom of the Pharaohs, and perhaps even the idea of organized nation-states as understood today. Unveiling Rwanda’s ancient roots Many historians trace the establishment of the Kingdom of Rwanda to Gihanga, considered its founding figure, around the year 1120. This dating stems from works such as Jan Vansina's Antecedents to Modern Rwanda: Nyiginya Kingdom (2004), which places the Kingdom's origins in the mid-second millennium. Yet, the notion that Rwanda came into being during this relatively recent period is overly simplistic and reflects the limitations of colonial and Western historiography. As logical thinkers, we must question why historians like Jan Vansina argue that Rwanda did not exist when, for example, Charles I of Flanders ruled in Belgium in 1119 or when Cnut the Great became King of England in 1017. These narratives diminish the rich tapestry of Rwandan history and ignore archaeological and oral traditions that suggest a much older lineage. Archaeological and anthropological evidence John Giblin, in his book “Challenges for Pre-Colonial Archeological Site Management in Rwanda” wrote that Rwandan history has been so distorted that the only way to access it is through oral traditions and archaeology. Archaeologist Francis Van Noten, in his research, establishes the presence of human settlements in what is now Rwanda as early as 600 BCE. Further studies by Professor Celestin Misago Kanimba corroborate these findings, pushing Rwanda's timeline far beyond 1120 CE. Sites like the Olduvai Gorge, referred to as the Cradle of Mankind, and discoveries such as the Ishango bone near Lake Edward—dated to 20,000–25,000 years ago—suggest that the broader region, including present-day Rwanda, has been home to human activity for millennia. The misrepresentation of African history Colonial historians often relied on arbitrary assumptions to date African dynasties. Father Alexis Kagame, for instance, assumed that each Rwandan king reigned for 30–33 years, while Jan Vansina used a range of 10–20 years. These methods lack scientific rigor and perpetuate stereotypes that African civilizations are comparatively young or derivative. In contrast, geneticist Spencer Wells, in The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey, affirms that modern humans have existed for approximately 200,000 years, with the last 60,000 years spent outside Africa. This chronology underscores the centrality of Africa, including Rwanda, in human history. Similarly, works by Cheikh Anta Diop and Théophile Obenga confirm the African origins of Ancient Egypt, with links to regions like Rwanda. Beyond artificial borders Rwanda's pre-colonial history cannot be fully understood without addressing the artificial borders imposed by colonial powers. These borders fragmented historically unified regions, separating closely related peoples across Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and Sudan. Scholars argue that figures like Ruhanga, revered in Ugandan traditions, aligns with Rwandan historical figures such as Gihanga, further highlighting shared cultural and historical roots. Rwanda's history extends beyond colonial timelines and Western-imposed frameworks. From archaeological discoveries to oral traditions, the evidence points to a civilization far older and richer than often acknowledged. As Rwandans and Africans, we must reclaim and preserve this legacy, ensuring that future generations understand the true depth of our heritage.
