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There's a lot of talk today about a certain 'Rwanda Hero'. Let's find out who Rwanda's heroes actually are and why.
A thread.
A thread.
To start, heroes in Rwanda are classified into three categories: Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi.
Imanzi are supreme heroes who demonstrated the ultimate sacrifice. Heroes in the Imena category are recognised for their extraordinary acts. Ingenzi are heroes still with us today.
Imanzi are supreme heroes who demonstrated the ultimate sacrifice. Heroes in the Imena category are recognised for their extraordinary acts. Ingenzi are heroes still with us today.
The Unknown Soldier (Imanzi)
The Unknown Soldier represents the fallen soldiers of Rwanda's liberation struggle. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Kigali commemorates the soldiers who could not be identified after the Liberation War.
The Unknown Soldier represents the fallen soldiers of Rwanda's liberation struggle. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Kigali commemorates the soldiers who could not be identified after the Liberation War.
Maj. Gen. Fred Gisa Rwigema (Imanzi)
Maj Gen. Rwigema is remembered for being among those who inspired the liberation of Rwanda. He was killed while fighting on the frontlines of the struggle on 2 October 1990.
Maj Gen. Rwigema is remembered for being among those who inspired the liberation of Rwanda. He was killed while fighting on the frontlines of the struggle on 2 October 1990.
Umwami Mutara III Rudahigwa (Imena)
During his rule, King Rudahigwa advocated for the welfare of Rwandans, independence, democracy and fought against injustice. He eliminated slavery and advocated for unity and reconciliation among Rwandans.
During his rule, King Rudahigwa advocated for the welfare of Rwandans, independence, democracy and fought against injustice. He eliminated slavery and advocated for unity and reconciliation among Rwandans.
Michel Rwagasana (Imena)
Rwagasana was considered a man of integrity and served as the Personal Secretary of King Mutara III Rudahigwa. He advocated for unity, independence and denounced ethnic segregation, for which he was killed by the Kayibanda regime in 1963.
Rwagasana was considered a man of integrity and served as the Personal Secretary of King Mutara III Rudahigwa. He advocated for unity, independence and denounced ethnic segregation, for which he was killed by the Kayibanda regime in 1963.
Agathe Uwilingiyimana (Imena)
Uwilingiyimana was the first woman to become Prime Minister in Rwanda’s history. During her time in office, she advocated for the rights of women and fought against division. She was assassinated on April 7, 1994 by the genocidal forces.
Uwilingiyimana was the first woman to become Prime Minister in Rwanda’s history. During her time in office, she advocated for the rights of women and fought against division. She was assassinated on April 7, 1994 by the genocidal forces.
Félicité Niyitegeka (Imena)
When the Genocide against the Tutsi was being committed, Niyitegeka hid Tutsi and helped them escape across Lake Kivu to DR Congo. When confronted by Interahamwe, she refused to abandon the Tutsi and was killed by the genocidal militia.
When the Genocide against the Tutsi was being committed, Niyitegeka hid Tutsi and helped them escape across Lake Kivu to DR Congo. When confronted by Interahamwe, she refused to abandon the Tutsi and was killed by the genocidal militia.
Nyange Students (Imena)
When attacked by genocidal militia in March 1997, 47 students from Nyange Secondary School refused to separate themselves into Hutu and Tutsi, saying "We are Rwandans". Their courage saved many lives. https://www.ktpress.rw/2021/02/nyange-national-heroes-who-is-who-where-are-they-now/
When attacked by genocidal militia in March 1997, 47 students from Nyange Secondary School refused to separate themselves into Hutu and Tutsi, saying "We are Rwandans". Their courage saved many lives. https://www.ktpress.rw/2021/02/nyange-national-heroes-who-is-who-where-are-they-now/
These incredible people are just some of the heroes who have inspired a generation of Rwandans, including me, to live with integrity, courage, accountability and dignity - values that guide Rwanda today.
