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The Director General International Military Cooperatoon and Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, today delivered an interactive lecture to more than 300 students and staff of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) in Gashora Sector, Bugesera District.

Held under the theme: "RPA's Role in Liberating the Country in 1994: How Can Today's Youth Sustain What Has Been Achieved?, the lecture highlighted Rwanda's Liberation Struggle, the role of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA Inkotanyi), and the responsibility of today's youth in preserving the nation's achievements.

Addressing the audience, Brig Gen Karuretwa outlined the historical events that culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He explained that decades of poor leadership fostered divisionism, discrimination, hate speech, and genocide ideology, with such narratives even being institutionalised through the education system. He noted that many Rwandans were forced into exile and that these divisive policies ultimately led to the genocide. He further emphasised that understanding this history is essential to ensuring such a tragedy is never repeated.

Brig Gen Karuretwa explained that, in April 1994, RPA launched a campaign to rescue innocent civilians and stop the genocide against the Tutsi after the United Nations and the international community failed to intervene.

He noted that the RPA's success was founded on the enduring values of courage, patriotism, discipline, professionalism, and selfless service, principles that continue to define the Rwanda Defence Force today.

Concluding his lecture, Brig Gen Karuretwa encouraged the students to draw inspiration from the young men and women who participated in the Liberation Struggle and build on their achievements to further advance Rwanda’s transformation journey. He urged them to work diligently, serve their country with dedication, and uphold the values of patriotism, courage, discipline, integrity, and selfless service.