Rwandans living in Senegal, early this week, celebrated the 17th anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation at a colourful event was held at the Rwandan Embassy in Senegal.

Speaking at the function, Gerard Ntwari, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Senegal said that celebrating the Day is a symbol of unity among all Rwandans.

"It’s now 17 years after liberation, which reminds us of the long way marked by brutality, divisions, inequality and exclusion. We also remember the fear, exile and the level of daily discrimination which culminated to the 1994 Tutsi Genocide whereby more than a million Rwandans were killed,” he said.

Ntwari noted that, July 4, is a remarkable date that should not be forgotten in the history of the country, because it signifies the rebirth of a new dimension of hope for the future of the country. He added that the victory of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) is victory of all Rwandans.

"The victory restored hope, total liberation, national unity, and the dignity of the country, which was lost during all the regimes after the independence,” he added.

The envoy explained that Rwanda had realised poverty as its general enemy.

"The government calls on all the people to focus on the future of the country and its sustainable development,” he urged.

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