Rwandans across the country yesterday woke up in cheerful mood to celebrate the 20th Liberation Day under the theme; Kwibohora 20; Together We Prosper.

As early as 6:30am, long queues had formed at the Amahoro stadium main gates with people eager to witness live the national celebrations.This time the mood was different from one that was experienced 100 days ago during the Genocide commemoration.

Though solemn, most people seemed to be in a celebratory mood waving miniature Rwandan flags or donning t-shirts with the Rwandan flag imprinted on them. A hundred days ago, the atmosphere was different, a somber one with most people sporting dark outfits.

By 11am when the event kicked off, crowds were still trying to make their way into the stadium that boasts a capacity of 30, 000 people and was  already filled to capacity.

Across the city, most business operators closed their premises to follow the liberation proceedings either at the stadium or from their television sets or radio receivers at home. 

President Paul Kagame arrived at the stadium at around 11:30am.

The foreign dignitaries in attendance included Presidents; Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Salva Kiir of South Sudan’s, and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, as well as the First Vice President of Burundi Prosper Bazombanza, and  former Tanzanian First Lady Maria Nyerere.

A guard of honour was mounted by the armed forces comprising Rwanda Defence Forces, National Police, Rwanda Correctional Services, and ex-combatants who were injured during the liberation struggle for the President to inspect.

 There was a brief emotional moment when the President slowed down to pay respect to the soldiers on wheelchairs who were injured during the liberation struggle.

Colonel Didas Ndahiro briefly took over as the master of ceremony to explain the various marching formations, including the mute parade.

Foreign Affairs minister Louise Mushikiwabo, spoke highly of the President’s leadership during and after the country’s armed liberation campaign. 

She also read a solidarity message  from the South Sudan President Salva Kiir who pledged that his country would maintain mutual cooperation with the people of Rwanda.

Songs, skits and dances were also staged, most of them carrying messages of praise for the Rwanda Patriotic Army that liberated the country as well as messages of encouragement.

Kenya’s president Uhuru Kenyatta  made a speech on behalf of the East African Community where he promised that Kenya and the rest of the region were in full support of Rwanda as the country leaves behind a scary past.

After President Kagame’s speech, the national flag was retired in a ceremony that saw it escorted by armed military police guards.

Rwandans and friends of Rwanda who were following proceedings  took to social media to honour the country’s liberators through a ‘hash tag’ #Kwibohora20.

Vanessa Umutoni (@vaniek) wrote: Because we know where we have come from, where we are now and where we are heading - we will never settle for less. #kwibohora20 #HappyLiberation

Mukakizima Mfizi who goes by the handle @vivizima wrote:  I’m at a loss for words to praise  inkotanyi. I can only aspire to be half the heroes you are #Kwibohora20

The celebration events were also marked in most districts across the country and were broadcast live on Television networks in Rwanda and Uganda.