After 50 years of independence, where Rwanda is heading now?

July 1st 62 – July 1st 2012 : 50 years of independence time to celebrate, reflect on country’s tormented history but mostly focus on the future of Rwanda’s independence.

Throughout human history, the desire for freedom has driven many people; it has sparked political revolutions and inspired people to sacrifice their possessions, homes and even lives. The liberty to freely pursue one’s dreams represents a fundamental tenet enshrined in each and every one.

Independence Day is often celebrated with parades, fireworks, cookouts and other festivities.

However, it is also important to remember the meaning of this holiday. The independence is very much associated and related to freedom.

“The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.”

Freedom represents a complex and controversial topic. What role should the government play in enforcing – or limiting – personal freedoms? What freedoms must people give up in order to ensure their personal security? Are individuals or nations responsible for securing the freedoms of others? These timeless debates find new voices and grounds in each generation, but they may never be fully resolved

As Rwanda will compile 50 years of “Independence”.: let our minds slide back in the history and see how many time people have been oppressed, depraved their lives and rights, and now see how these actions are still having influence in our days;

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” is this what we are experiencing now ?

Still more than the 50 years have passed!

“Years ago I recognized my kinship with all living things, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on the earth. I said then and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it; while there is a criminal element, I am of it; while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.”

This will be my motto until Mrs. Victoire set free, she is not only the democratic symbol ,but also the strength to young Rwandans ready to break the brutal facts, and build to last an Independent Rwanda.

By Alice Muhirwa

National treasurer of the Unified Democratic Forces – FDU-Inkingi