Rwandans, within and outside the country, today, mark the 17th anniversary of the country’s liberation, as a dignified and truly rehabilitated people, involved not only in shaping their own destiny but also actively playing a part in making the world a better place for all.

While Liberation Day is about celebrating the defeat of the genocidal regime and ending the Genocide itself, it is also an opportunity to take stock of the journey the nation has travelled so far, upholding the policies and programmes that have pulled Rwanda out of the abyss, and recommitting to the country’s development agenda.

Over the past seventeen years, the country has registered remarkable achievements in all areas, whether social, economical or political dispensation. The stunning success has deservedly won the people of Rwanda, and indeed their leaders, international recognition and admiration, but have, most importantly, transformed the lives of millions across the country.

From rebuilding the country’s social fabric to commendable strides in fostering economic growth, promoting good governance, security and foreign peacekeeping missions around the world, the post-Genocide administration, with the support of the people of Rwanda, has achieved so much against all odds.

Nonetheless, there have lately been efforts by certain individuals designed to undo these very achievements. Whereas the proponents of such a negative agenda stand no chance against the will of the people, it is imperative that every Rwandan jealously guards every bit of the progress they have made as a nation since 1994, as they continue to implement the country’s development blueprint.

That way they take charge of their own destiny and that is the essence of liberation.

Happy Liberation Day!

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