Africa-Press – Rwanda. There is no doubt that Rwandans are more united today than ever, at least since the country got its independence. It is evident that initiatives like “Ndi Umunyarwanda” is more than just a slogan, but a literal identity.
As we continue commemorate the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, it is worthy to mention that while nothing will undo the atrocities, our younger generation is taking it upon themselves to be united, with our only identity, Rwandans.
One cannot talk about our identity without the colonial seeds of hate that were sown in a society that prided themselves in being “Abanyarwanda”. Precolonially, Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa, were merely socio professional classes in Rwanda. All the three belonged to 18 clans.
One belonged to a clan through their father- which is proof that Rwandans, rich or poor, came from the same people.
Nevertheless, Belgian colonists went ahead to categorise Rwandans in three “ethnic groups” and spent time trying to prove how Rwandans were different just by the size of their body features.
This was made even worse when they introduced identity cards, dividing an entire population by marking their “ethnicity” on a piece of paper. These were used to identify the Tutsi to exterminate them during the Genocide.
Today, thanks to the resilience of a nation and forgiveness of the survivors, the younger generation was born in a country that doesn’t discriminate, and whose identity is only Rwandan. Young people are taking the lead in discussions about unity, and their children will be even more united.
In his speech on April 7, President Paul Kagame said: “Our youth are the guardians of our future and the foundation of our unity, with a mindset that is totally different from the generation before.”
Indeed, Rwanda’s future is in safe hands, but, we must stay the course.
Source: The New Times
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