Rwandans in Switzerland observed the 22nd Anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation with a message of gratitude to the country’s liberation heroes.

The event, on Monday, was attended by several envoys and members of the diplomatic community, heads of International Organisations in Geneva, the Rwandan community, and friends of Rwanda in Switzerland.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Francois Xavier Ngarambe, the Rwandan Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva.

He paid tribute to the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) under the leadership of current President Paul Kagame for "stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and putting an end to an era of dictatorship, oppression, and terror.”

He said,"the victory of the RPA was the beginning of our ongoing journey towards true freedom and liberty. It was not only the liberation of our bodies, but also the liberation of our minds. Liberation from mediocrity, from mental slavery, lack of vision, corruption and nepotism, which had led to generalised State failure and its disastrous consequences.”

He added that July 4, 1994 marked  ‘‘the launch of a new vision and the development of new mindsets, the rejection of mediocrity; the resolve to preserve our independence and our dignity; the determination to protect our integrity and our rights, the willingness to come as one, leaving no one behind, united for one destiny towards a bright future.

Amb. Ngarambe thanked those present for their friendship and support and invited them to visit Rwanda and ‘‘witness first hand it’s amazing transformation and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Rwanda, the kindness of people and amazing culture.’’

Rwandan cultural group Urunana of Switzerland entertained guests with Rwandan traditional dance and music.

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