Gen. Karusisi Urges Youth to Safeguard Rwanda’s Liberation Gains

Nyagatare, July 4, 2026 - The Commander of the Rwanda Defence Force’s 5th Division, Maj. Gen. Ruki Karusisi, has called on young Rwandans to preserve the achievements of the country’s liberation, saying the peace and stability enjoyed today were secured through the sacrifices of many heroes. He made the remarks on July 3 during a 23-kilometre Liberation Walk attended by more than 4,500 residents, youth and local leaders from across the Eastern Province. The march began at Nyagatare Stadium and ended at Gasantimetero in Tabagwe Sector, a site associated with President Paul Kagame during the liberation struggle. Addressing participants, Maj. Gen. Karusisi described Liberation Day as a reminder of the courage, patriotism and determination that shaped Rwanda’s history. He said many Rwandans were forced into exile after being denied the right to live in their homeland and, after repeated unsuccessful attempts to return peacefully, launched the liberation struggle on October 1, 1990. He recalled that the Rwanda Patriotic Army campaign was led by President Kagame, who now serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force. He added that during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in which more than one million people were killed, the international community failed to stop the massacres, while the liberation forces ended the genocide on July 4, 1994. Maj. Gen. Karusisi said Rwanda's achievements extended beyond ending the war, pointing to national reconstruction, reconciliation, institution building and socio-economic development as key milestones that followed the liberation. He described today's Rwanda as a stable, secure and forward-looking nation built through visionary leadership and the collective efforts of its citizens. He urged Rwandans, particularly the youth, to honour the sacrifices of those who fought for the country's freedom by protecting peace, respecting the law, embracing innovation and contributing solutions that advance national development. Eastern Province Governor Pudence Rubingisa also addressed the gathering, encouraging young people to draw inspiration from the heroes of the liberation struggle and to safeguard the progress achieved through their sacrifices.