Rwandan-born actress and former Miss France 2000, Sonia Rolland Uwitonze, has commended Rwanda’s rapid development and the creativity of its young people, urging greater investment in the nation’s artistic and cultural industries.
In an interview with France 24, Sonia reflected on Rwanda’s remarkable transformation since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, describing it as a powerful story of unity, resilience, and renewal. She emphasized that Rwanda’s youthful population represents an immense source of untapped potential that could thrive further with stronger international collaboration.
“Rwanda has extraordinarily rebuilt itself and stands as a model of national unity,” she said. “It’s a country full of opportunities because it has a young generation rich in talent. With proper support from international partners, even more creative potential can emerge. Africa’s market is far larger and more vibrant than many realize.”
Sonia also shared heartfelt memories of her childhood in Rwanda and Burundi before the genocide, recalling joyful days spent with her close friend and fellow artist, Gaël Faye. “Africa, for me, was a place of happiness until the day we fled,” she said. “Gaël Faye and I grew up together — our fathers were best friends. It was a beautiful life before everything changed.”
After fleeing the region, Sonia said it was difficult to reconnect with old friends due to the lack of communication tools at the time. However, her rise to fame through the Miss France pageant eventually helped her reunite with some of them.
Now a mother of two, Sonia continues to make her mark in the film industry. She currently stars in Kwibuka, a production that focuses on the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda’s path to healing and progress.
Through her career and advocacy, Sonia Rolland remains a proud ambassador of her Rwandan heritage, promoting creativity, unity, and the boundless potential of Africa’s youth.
