Lieutenant Colonel Gaspard Harerimana, Senior Technology Officer at the Ministry of Defence, has called on young people to commit themselves to safeguarding Rwanda’s progress, urging them to unite under a shared responsibility of protecting national achievements.
He made the remarks during a historical session on youth and Rwanda’s history at the Igihango cy’Urungano Youth Forum, attended by about 2,000 participants on Saturday.
Col Harerimana, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, shared his personal journey, saying he made a commitment to the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) immediately after the Genocide as part of his resolve to contribute to the country’s recovery.
He encouraged young people to adopt a similar sense of purpose, stressing that Rwanda’s development depends on discipline, unity, and active participation from all citizens.
“What is needed is for young people to build on where we are today and protect what has been achieved,” he said. “Without discipline, we risk destroying what has been built or allowing others to destroy it.”
He noted that many of those who took part in Rwanda’s liberation were of a similar age to today’s youth, adding that nation-building remains a continuous responsibility that should be embraced early.
Col Harerimana said development is a collective duty that requires unity across generations and backgrounds.
“This is why we must build on what has been achieved and move forward together. Let us unite and make a pact with the nation, regardless of our personal history or circumstances. It concerns all of us,” he said.
He revealed that although he joined the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in 2002, his commitment to the RPA dates back to 1994 when he was still a teenager, already determined to serve the country once he became eligible to join the military.
