Rwanda, USA Celebrate 4th of July. “We vow to never fall back into darkness”

4th of July is widely celebrated around the world. For USA, it marks the formation of the ‘United States Of America’, a country. The founding men of America signed the declaration of independence in 1776, 4th of July.

As Americans raise their glasses to independence and country on the 4th of July, — far away in the Central Eastern region of the African continent, Rwandese sing liberation songs.

A Different Story

Both Americans and Rwandese celebrate freedom on a similar day. But the story that leads up to it is quite different.

On one hand Americans signed the declaration of independence from British rule, and formed their own new country. On the other hand, Rwandese stopped the 1994 genocide against Tutsi on the exact date.

Americans are celebrating 250 years of independence from that day. While Rwanda is counting just 31 years of liberation from tribalism, tribal politics, neo-colonisation, and genocidal atrocities against Tutsi.

Another huge contrast, thought it may seem at first glance, is that Americans fought the British empire to gain independence on the fourth of July. While Rwandese fought with an internal enemy to gain liberation.

The beginning of a beginning

4th of July for Rwandese marked the beginning of a new era of freedom, rapid development, maturity, social cohesion, and shared power.

As we celebrate liberation day, we renew our vow to never fall back into darkness ever again.

To always move forward despise the odds. To never let whatever may seek to break us apart not be stronger than that which unites us into one single nation of brothers and sisters.

On the 4th of July, we celebrate the end of the genocide against Tutsi. By remembering all those valuable people we lost, but also remembering all the Rwandese brave men and women who gave everything to liberate our nation from tribal genocidal chains and inept leadership.

Saluting Patriots

Salute to all Inkotanyi soldiers who fought day and night, on sunny days and rainy nights. Salute to all Rwandese who joined the cause of freedom regardless of the danger. Salute to Gisa Fred Rwigyema for crossing the border on the 1st October 1990 leaving his Ugandan General rank behind, instead choosing to fulfill his promise to lead Rwandese back home.

Salute to all soldiers, civilians, friends, supporters and well wishers who physically, or spiritually crossed the border with General Gisa Rwigyema on that day. That first step towards home marked the beginning of the liberation struggle.

Salute to President Kagame who well aware of the danger, dropped out of his military school in USA, to take on the leadership of Inkotanyi who had just lost their great leader.

General Kagame fulfilled his duty and led his people back home. Completing the journey General Gisa had sparked.

As president, Kagame continued forward. Sometimes, many voices urging him to slow down. That he was developing Rwanda so fast, too soon. But he did it anyway.

On the of 4th of July we celebrate a second chance at life; the good, normal, fair life.

Our renewed vow

Most importantly, we renew our promise that “we shall always be ready to defend ourselves, our motherland, and our way of life regardless of the haters and enemies surrounding us”.

“Confidence in our survival lies not in the enemy not attacking, but in our own preparedness to defend ourselves and counter-attack any and all threats against us.”

Happy 4th of July!