As Rwanda celebrates the liberation day, on 1st October, the Rwandan Minister of defense General James Kabarebe hold a conference at the National University of Rwanda on the course of liberation of the country. The defense minister said liberation is a process that started long ago and that will continue with support of country scholars.

While talking of the 1st October, the day the former RPF begun battle against the before 1994 dictatorship Government, General Kabarebe said liberation counts more phases.

He says the first phase ended with liberation war and now the new phase consists of values that shape Rwandan community.

“At the aftermath of the liberation war the first priority of the government of Rwanda was to restore security in the country. Now as the liberation struggles is a long line, current priorities includes integrity and accountability. To maintain this struggle your support as country scholars is also the priority.� He said.

The president of club Ubutwari Fred Mugabe, in the name of all members of the club said that students are not sited arms closed. He said that they are organizing a book that will enhance the testimony of some important battles of the liberation of the country.

“We are working hard to tell our story more than to be told by strangers in the way they want. Luckily we have still some living heroes of those battles for example the battle of Ryabega or Rucuru.� He said.

Students said they are happy that after a long time, General Kabarebe finally came to share his experience with them. Some say that it will increase their awareness on the history of liberation struggle.

Callixte Kanimba is interested in history. He said he has been waiting for him since he came to the campus.

“It affected my soul to see him in personal. With the history he has made I think he left us a live example of resisting if you really think what you fight for is right.� He said

The 1st October was once celebrated as heroism day but since it met up with the launch of liberation war on the 1st October 1990 by RPF, the government cabinet shifted the heroism day to the 4th February.

By EMMANUEL HITIMANA