The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Kazarwa Gertrude, Senate President François-Xavier Kalinda, and Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, among others.
A representative of the diplomatic corps in Rwanda also laid a wreath in tribute to the country’s heroes.
Rwanda recognizes its heroes under three categories: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi. The Imanzi category includes fallen heroes such as the Unknown Soldier, representing all soldiers who died defending the nation, and Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema, who lstarted the liberation struggle on October 1, 1990.
The Imena category honors King Mutara III Rudahigwa Charles Léon Pierre, Michel Rwagasana, Agatha Uwilingiyimana, Félicité Niyitegeka, and the Nyange students, all remembered for their courage and patriotism.
No individual has yet been officially recognized under the Ingenzi category, though efforts are ongoing to identify and honor deserving figures.
Heroes’ Day is observed in Rwanda every year on February 1.
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