🇷🇼 President Kagame Reflects on Rwanda’s Liberation Journey: “A Tough but Enjoyable Journey”
KIGALI – July 4, 2025 – On the occasion of Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day, President Paul Kagame described the nation’s post-genocide recovery and development as a “very tough but enjoyable journey,” honouring both personal sacrifices and collective achievements.
In a special media briefing held on Friday, Kagame shared profound reflections on the country’s three-decade transformation since the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. His remarks highlighted themes of national resilience, self-reliance, and the enduring impact of Rwanda's liberation struggle.
🔺 “Pride in the Struggle”
"For me, at a personal level, it’s been a very tough but enjoyable journey," Kagame opened, recalling the significance of the struggle to restore Rwanda’s dignity and future.
The president—one of the key figures in the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) that ended the genocide—emphasised the weight and responsibility of the journey:
"The tough side was what was confronted and dealt with… for the half-hearted, they would just collapse under the weight of its first day."
He described the rewarding side as “understanding the story itself, where you are coming from and where you are going,” which gave him “a sense of pride and inspiration.”
⚔️ Honouring the Fallen
In a deeply personal moment, Kagame paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the struggle:
“I cannot account for why I’m still alive. I could have easily gone the way of the others who didn’t make it.”
He stressed the need to honour their memory with meaningful progress:
“What comes out in the end must reflect that difference between what you really fought against and what you are creating.”
🌍 A Bold Stance on Self-Reliance
Addressing Rwanda’s pursuit of independence in policy and development, Kagame revisited themes from his iconic 2012 speech, in which he challenged Western condescension toward African nations:
“Rwanda has constantly been changing, but those powerful countries and how they see us… has really not changed.”
He concluded emphatically:
“We don’t owe our living to anyone. Never will it happen again. It’s not bragging. It’s an act of survival.”
🇷🇼 Liberation Day: More Than History
As Rwanda marks 31 years of liberation, Kagame’s words serve as a rallying call for unity, resilience, and visionary leadership. For many Rwandans, the day represents more than the end of genocide—it marks the birth of a bold new identity grounded in justice, pride, and self-determination.