The Rwandan people, yesterday, celebrated the 16th anniversary of Liberation. On July 4, 1994, the Rwanda Patriotic Front/Army brought an end to the Genocide against Tutsi and liberated the Rwandan people from a discriminatory and most oppressive regime.

Sixteen years on, Rwandans can look back and appreciate the progress the country has made. More than 90 percent of the people have medical insurance, free primary education is guaranteed and of recent, the nine year basic education which has seen the school enrolment levels shoot up, was launched. Agricultural production has been modernized and new businesses, both foreign and local are opening up every other day.

While the list of achievements is evidently impressive, we should sit on our laurels, but instead use the experience as a motivation to work harder and make Rwanda a better place. In 1994, the country was written off, with no hope of ever rising. However, the dedication and determination of the Rwandan people to rebuild their country, has delivered remarkable results which are nothing short of a miracle.

As we celebrate the liberation, let us keep in mind the goals set out in the country’s vision 2020. The Rwandan people have a vision of the kind of country they desire and through continued joint effort and good leadership we shall get there.

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