The country’s successful journey towards sustainable development and economic growth is due to the prevailing peace, security and national unity.

 Residents in the Southern Province said this yesterday from various rallies organised to celebrate the 20th Liberation Day.

They said the past two decades have brought significant improvement in their lives and those of other members of the community.

Agnes Uzabakiriho, 37, a Genocide survivor, told The New Times that Liberation Day brings with it joy and hope for a brighter future.

"It evokes memories of the days Rwandans were being slaughtered and how brave and heroic fighters stopped that bloodshed, saved our lives and went on to help us live better,” Uzabakiriho said.

Uzabakiriho said she has since embarked on a journey to transform her life and that her efforts have paid off.

From almost nothing, Uzabakiriho is now a respected investor in Huye District where she owns a maize processing factory estimated at Rwf70 million.

"The journey has not been easy but we have succeeded thanks to supportive leaders, conducive environment and good policies,” she said.

"At least every Rwandan can today be proud of their nation and attest to the fact that there are a lot of opportunities to grab. We have equal access to the country’s resources, the country is peaceful with many opportunities to build on in the journey to uplift our lives.”

Clement Munyaribanje, a resident of Nyamagabe District, said the past two decades have seen the former Gikongoro prefecture – which for long was synonymous with poverty and poor living conditions – transform significantly.

"Today, we are one of the most prosperous areas in the country,” Munyaribanje said. 

Munyaribanje also commended the significant strides in education, job creation, modernisation of agriculture and health, among others.

"If it had not been for good governance and policies, we wouldn’t have registered that remarkable growth,” he observed.

While addressing thousands of Huye residents who turned up to celebrate the Day, the Southern Province Executive Secretary, Jeanne Izabiriza, told residents that the day is an occasion to "celebrate, the nation’s impressive recovery” following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that almost destroyed it.

"Two decades ago, Rwanda emerged from darkness to light,” Izabiriza told a cheering crowd.

"And ever since, the country has successfully embarked on a transformational journey which has seen Rwandans enjoy improved livelihoods,” she added, citing some of the  achievements that have been registered in various sectors.

"This is time to celebrate the sacrifices of our liberators and hail the fruits of our concerted effort which has ushered in an era of development.”