Dr. Gerald Bikorimana, a lecturer in Development Studies at the University of Rwanda, warned that sanctions against Rwanda reflect the mindset of colonial powers, intent on undermining the spirit of self-determination in their former colonies and perpetuating neocolonial delusions.
He made these remarks on March 19 in the Main Auditorium, where he led a public talk for students that explored the historical background of Rwandan heroism. The discussion, titled “Heroism and Unity of Rwandans: Pillars of National Development,”
Bikorimana recounted the long history of Rwandan heroism, highlighting how the people were later oppressed by colonial powers. He further explained that the struggle against neocolonialism remains ongoing and continues to shape the nation’s path forward.
Firstly, he emphasized the heroism in pre-colonial Rwanda, which played a key role in expanding the country from the small region of Gasabo, situated along Lake Muhazi.
“Rwanda fought wars of expansion that annexed various kingdoms, including Nduga, Bugesera, Gisaka, and Ndorwa. At the core of these successful annexations lies the sacrifice of Rwandans who fought for their kingdom, shedding their blood until the very last drop,” he said.
Dr. Bikorimana emphasized the factors that instilled the spirit of heroism, patriotism, and self-determination in the people of ancient Rwanda.
“Rwandans were united by a shared culture, religion, and language, and, most importantly, they were united under one king whom they obeyed and served. They had Itorero, where boys were taught the principles of leadership and nation-building.”
“Since a nation begins with the family, girls were taken to Urubohero, where they were taught the values of family life, helping them develop a sense of their future roles as mothers and their broader responsibilities to the nation. As one king famously said, ‘Nutamika umwana ibere, umutamike u Rwanda,'” he said.
The most important aspect, Bikorimana said, was the rewarding system for warriors who fought bravely in battles. These rewards were given in three honors: Gucana uruti, Umudende, and Impotore.
“Gucana uruti was the highest honor, awarded to warriors who killed at least 21 enemy fighters. Impotore was given to those who killed at least 14, while Umudende was awarded to warriors who killed at least 7,” he explained.
Dr. Bikorimana told the students that with the arrival of the colonialists, these systems were abolished. The power of the king over his chiefs and people was diminished, Christianity supplanted the indigenous Rwanda religion, and, most importantly, Rwandans were divided into ethnic groups.
“Men of vision and self-determination who rose to resist colonial activities risked their lives, and some even paid the ultimate price. King Musinga was abdicated and exiled to Moba, while years later, his son, Rudahigwa, who fought against colonial systems like ubuhake, was killed. Despite his efforts for independence, it was handed to colonial puppets after him.”
“Another example is Michel Rwagasana, who fought against the colonizers, while his family member, Grégoire Kayibanda, supported the colonial efforts to divide Rwandans,” he said.
After colonialism, Bikorimana emphasized that the colonial mindset was passed down to the leaders of the First and Second Republics. These leaders continued to follow the colonial legacy of division and fostered hatred against the Tutsi, which ultimately led to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
“However, the spirit of heroism never left the Rwandan people. Figures such as Minister Agatha Uwiringiyimana rose to fight division by abolishing quotas in schools and challenging the politics of divisionism and corrupt dictatorship.”
“Fred Rwigema and his Inkotanyi soldiers fought for the right of Rwandan refugees to return to their homeland. Félicité Niyitegeka fought against division by saving Tutsi girls and ultimately sacrificing her life. The Inyange students fought for unity, laying down their lives for the cause,” he said.
Dr. Bikorimana told the students that the Rwandan government has introduced various homegrown solutions to challenge the colonial mentality and restore the spirit of unity and heroism among Rwandans.
“In 1995, the commission for implementing homegrown solutions was established. The Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honour (CHENO) was created in 2003 and revised in 2015, with the goal of restoring the values of patriotism and heroism among Rwandans,” he said.
Bikorimana also commented on the sanctions against Rwanda, mobilized by Belgium, stating that they have a long history rooted in the mentality of colonial powers. He explained that these sanctions aim to discourage the spirit of self-determination in former colonies and continue to perpetuate their neocolonial delusions.
“The struggle continues, and as united Rwandans, we must fight together against anything that seeks to bring us back to the colonial mindset of divisionism.” He said.
Levy Gasana
