The Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda in Ethiopia, on Friday, July 29, celebrated the 29th anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation, in an event that brought together close to 300 people.

Hosted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the celebrations featured highlights of Rwanda’s achievements through a video documentary, liberation songs and traditional dances, speeches, and a meal.

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Addressing the participants, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Rwandan embassy in Ethiopia, Robert Opirah, reminded them of the unpleasant history of Rwanda that was characterized by discrimination, divisionism, and open acts of hatred, which were overcome when Rwanda was liberated.

"Before July 1994, persistent hate speech and open promotion of discrimination gave rise to persecutions and many other forms of violence against the Tutsi community. Continued hostilities led to open massacres and inevitably gave rise to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda,” he narrated.

He discussed the importance and meaning of the Liberation Day, praising the Rwandans who heroically put an end to one of Rwanda’s darkest chapters and unlocked a new era built on the unity and security for all Rwandans, zero tolerance to corruption, democratic leadership and institutions, promoting social welfare and fighting the genocide and its ideology.

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"These last 29 years have taught us major lessons in reconciliation, reconstruction, strengthening national capacities for conflict management, and to lay the foundations for sustainable peace and development in our country,” he said.

Ambassador Fissaha Shawel, the Director General of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, praised the achievements of Rwanda, 29 years after its dark history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

He appreciated the resilience of the people of Rwanda and the political leadership of president Paul Kagame which has been key in rebuilding the country.

"Ethiopia will keep working with Rwanda in their respective efforts to build a better, stronger and united continent” he said.