Rwanda’s liberation struggle propelled a self-reliance culture

Author: Yousuf Rwaka

• 2023-07-08 05:30:00

In 1994 when the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda began, the Parliamentary buildings (former CND) where Rwanda Patriotic Front’s (RPF) politicians and protection unit comprising 600 troops were stationed was a special target for the genocidal army.

With shelling increasing on the CND and the Tutsi being massively killed nationwide, Gen Paul Kagame who was commanding RPA - RPF’s armed wing - ordered: “defend yourself and rescue people.”

The soldiers began counterattacks and rescued people in the neighborhoods of Kigali while waiting for reinforcements from other RPA deployments in the northern part of the country. They fought hard and effectively until they captured Kigali on July 4, 1994.

Stopping the Genocide, with no external help, the RPF created a liberal mindset of self-reliance, self-defense, and protecting all Rwandans at all cost. This culture has gone beyond Rwanda’s borders.

Later, during a celebration of liberation day, President Kagame said: “in addition to building ourselves, we also remember and consider our neighbors from across the border."

Beyond protecting Rwanda’s territorial sovereignty, Rwandan Security Forces have displayed immense bravery and capabilities in supporting other nations restore normalcy. Between 2014 and 2016, in the Central African Republic (CAR), Rwandan Security forces ensured the protection of former president Catherine Samba-Panza, and ensured the peaceful presidential election of 2016 won by then Prime Minister, Faustin-Archange Touadéra.

In December 2020, under a bilateral agreement, Rwanda yet again deployed troops in CAR to quell election violence and protect peacekeepers. The call came after the rebels aligned with François Bozizé, former president of CAR, from 2003 until 2013, were advancing on Bangui, the country’s capital to disrupt the country’s democratic process and oust President Touadéra.

To date, just like after the liberation struggle, Rwandan Security Forces in CAR, protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, among other things.

Related: CAR: Political-military opposition groups hell-bent on tarnishing Rwanda’s image

In July 2021, Rwanda took decisive action by dispatching troops to Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, at the invitation of President Filipe Nyusi.

In Mozambique, their mission was one; to help fight the terrorists, stabilize the area and restore the authority of the state.

Within one month, Rwandan and Mozambican forces had circled major bases of the terrorists and capturing them, in quick succession. One year later, people in the region returned to their homes and started working and engaging in socio-economic activities after five years living in fear and suffering due to terrorism.

Related: Rwanda’s military intervention in Africa rebrands continent’s image

The objective of Rwanda’s liberation extended beyond putting an end to the Genocide against the Tutsi, to a significantly bigger contribution to the continent.

In 2004, Rwanda was the first African country to deploy a contingent, under the then African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), in Darfur, just 10 years after of liberating Rwanda.

In an effort to reinforce rule-of-law institutions, Rwandan Police peacekeepers provided extensive assistance to the Government of Haiti, including their support in developing and enhancing the capabilities of the Haitian National Police. The peace support operations in Haiti, which started in 2011 and lasted for a period of nine years, was successfully concluded by Rwanda National Police.

After stopping the Genocide, the RPF-led government learnt the importance of maintaining peace and order and worked hard to maintain the calm in the country.