Kamarampaka Day (Rwanda)
Kamarampaka Day is observed annually on September 25 in Rwanda, marking a significant historical event in the nation’s journey towards independence. The term "Kamarampaka" translates to "referendum," commemorating the day in 1961 when Rwandans voted to abolish the Tutsi monarchy, which had been established as a puppet regime during Belgian colonial rule. This moment was pivotal in the broader context of Rwanda's independence movement, which sought to dismantle colonial structures and assert national sovereignty.
Kamarampaka Day is not only a reflection of Rwanda's political transformation but also serves as an occasion for the annual opening of the Rwandan National Assembly. The day invites reflection on the complex and often violent history that has shaped the nation, including ethnic tensions that have led to tragic conflicts. With a population of over 7 million, Rwanda, a landlocked country in Central Africa, continues to navigate its post-colonial identity and socio-political landscape. Observing Kamarampaka Day offers insight into a critical turning point in the nation’s history and its ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and nation-building.
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Kamarampaka Day (Rwanda)
Kamarampaka Day (Rwanda)
September 25 of every year is Kamarampaka Day in the small Central African nation of Rwanda. Kamarampaka means “referendum,” and it was on this day in 1961 that Rwandans voted to abolish the Tutsi monarchy—a puppet regime set up by Belgium.
Rwanda is a landlocked nation, once part of the Belgian colonial empire in that region, with just over 7 million inhabitants. Its capital and largest city is Kigali with a population of roughly 300,000 people. During the period of European colonization which reached its height in the 19th century, the region of modern Rwanda was taken by Belgium. By the 1960s an independence movement had arisen, leading to the elections of 1961 and the rejection of the monarchy.
This public holiday in Rwanda has also been the occasion for the opening of the Rwandan National Assembly every year. Unfortunately, Rwanda has experienced a particularly violent history since gaining independence, involving hundreds of thousands of deaths in clashes between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic segments of the population.