GENEVA - The Embassy of Rwanda in Switzerland organised a large feast to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Liberation Day in Geneva Switzerland this week.

The party was attended by a large number of diplomats, heads of international organisations, , political leaders, members of the civil society and f the Rwandan Diaspora in Switzerland.

The UrunanaYouth Cultural Troupe of Switzerland entertained the guests with a variety of Kinyarwanda dances by ladies and Intore dancers.

In her address on the occasion, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Rwanda in Geneva, Ambassador Venetia Sebudandi recalled the context and significance of the Liberation Day; She said on 4 July 1994 the Rwanda Patriot Front, defeated the genocidal forces and brought to an end a Genocide which had claimed over 1 million innocent Tutsis men, women and children, as the world watched on television.

She said the liberation was the beginning of a journey forward for Rwandans, for change and transformation and a search for more meaningful independence and freedom for the people of Rwanda.

She added that although Rwanda had got her independence from direct colonial rule in 1962, it had in effect remained under the control of external influence and successive regimes that were characterised by political and ideological bankruptcy –that promoted hatred, sectarianism and genocidal ideologies – culminating in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

The Ambassador said that today Rwandans are committed to ensuring that they genuinely own their decisions and actions and are at the centre of the planning processes and implementation of programs that impact their lives.

She elaborated on the different achievements that Rwanda has registered in the last 15 years, in Socio-economic, political and democratic governance, peace and security.

The Ambassador paid tribute to the Government’s development partners for their support which has played a significant role in country’s recent achievements.

Sebudandi commended Members of the Rwandan Diaspora in Switzerland for their commitment to supporting the development efforts of Rwanda.

Ends