Rwanda’s struggle for freedom will take its place among flagship exhibits at the Museum of African Liberation in Harare, Zimbabwe. The museum—originally set to showcase seven national liberation narratives—expanded its scope to include Rwanda in recognition of the transformative impact of its liberation on national progress and Pan-African solidarity.
Originally, the Museum of African Liberation planned to feature the histories of:
Angola,Algeria,Zimbabwe,South Africa, Namibia,Mozambique,Cape Verde.
With construction now more than 50 percent complete, Rwanda has been granted a dedicated 50 m² exhibition space, underscoring its liberation’s resonance with African solutions to African challenges.
From August 18–20, a Zimbabwe-based delegation from the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) paid a courtesy visit to the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA). Their itinerary included:
– Tours of the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum
– Briefings on national liberation sites such as Mulindi and the Gikoba Trail
– Workshops on museum conservation, archival practice, and curricular integration
This two-day engagement marked a critical phase in drafting a Memorandum of Understanding to guide Rwanda’s participation.
“The museum we’re building in Harare will serve as the continent’s central repository for liberation artefacts,” said Zhou Pritchard, INSTAK Chairman. “Including Rwanda ensures that misinterpretations by international media are corrected and that visitors can learn the true history of Rwanda’s journey to freedom.”
Ambassador Robert Masozera, Director General of RCHA, added, “Our liberation narrative drew inspiration from Pan-African freedom fighters. This exhibition space will connect Rwanda’s story to broader continental struggles, preserving the ideological threads that unite us.”
Rwanda is now preparing artefacts that reflect its liberation ethos—each item carefully selected to resonate with African liberation narratives and reinforce a shared history of resilience.
With plans underway to finalize the MoU and curate artefacts, Rwanda is poised to make a meaningful contribution to Harare’s museum. The collaboration not only cements bilateral cultural ties but also amplifies the continent’s commitment to telling its own story of freedom and renewal.
