President Kagame Joins Tito Rutaremara in Celebrating His 80th Birthday

Elias Hakizimana Nov 24, 2024Nov 24, 2024 0 Comments

By The Inspirer.

President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame were among the distinguished guests who graced Tito Rutaremara’s 80th birthday celebration on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

The event brought together family, friends, and dignitaries to honor the life and legacy of the veteran politician.

Tito Rutaremara, affectionately known as “Mzee Tito,” is a prominent figure in Rwandan politics, with a career spanning over three decades. A founding member of the Rwandese Alliance for National Unity (RANU), which later evolved into the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) in 1987, Rutaremara played a pivotal role in shaping Rwanda’s political history.

The RPF led the 1990 liberation war aimed at ensuring the return of Rwandan refugees and stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Following the liberation, Rutaremara served as a Senator and Ombudsman, contributing significantly to Rwanda’s governance and rebuilding efforts. Today, he chairs the Rwanda Elders’ Advisory Forum, providing strategic guidance on national governance and political orientation.

**President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame posed for a photo with Tito Rutaremara and his family during the celebration.**

Born in 1944 in Gatsibo, then part of the Kibungo territory in today’s Eastern Province, Rutaremara fled Rwanda with his family during the 1959 pogroms targeting the Tutsi. He completed his education abroad, studying in Uganda and later in Europe.

Reflecting on his role in Rwanda’s liberation during an interview earlier this year, Rutaremara recounted the challenges and triumphs of the journey. “We started [the war] on October 1, 1990. Because we didn’t have any other means, we had to come and liberate by force,” he shared.

As one of the RPF negotiators during the Arusha peace talks, Rutaremara worked tirelessly to bring an end to the early 1990s war. He remains a steadfast advocate for continued liberation, emphasizing that true freedom extends beyond military victory to addressing issues like poverty and inequality.

**President Kagame delivers a speech during Tito Rutaremara’s 80th birthday celebration.**

“Our liberation journey is ongoing,” Rutaremara noted. “We have achieved significant milestones in some areas, while others still require effort. The work is far from over.”

He also called on Rwanda’s youth to carry the mantle of liberation forward, stressing the importance of their involvement in sustaining the country’s progress. Rutaremara praised President Kagame’s visionary leadership, attributing much of Rwanda’s development to his ability to mobilize and inspire the nation.

“We have a leader who sees beyond what others can imagine and knows how to organize and unite the people,” he said, underscoring President Kagame’s role in shaping a prosperous future for Rwanda.

The celebration of Rutaremara’s 80 years of life was a poignant reminder of his enduring contribution to Rwanda’s liberation, unity, and development.