Rwandans in Russia celebrated the 31st anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day in an event that was attended by more than 300 Rwandans, government officials, diplomats, and friends of Rwanda on July 4. In his message, the Rwandan Ambassador to Russia, Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, paid tribute to the Rwandan Patriotic Army for liberating the country and honored those who sacrificed their lives for the great cause. IN PICTURES: Diaspora celebrations of Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day Nzabamwita appreciated the significant contribution by men and women in uniform over the last 31 years, who not only contributed to bringing peace and security to our country, but also to keeping peace and stability in different parts of our continent. He also recognized their contribution to socio-economic transformation of the country through various developmental initiatives. ALSO READ: 31 years after liberation, transformation continues The Ambassador observed that the event is also an occasion to reflect on Rwanda’s transformational journey over the past 31 years, noting that with the right choices and policies, the counrty was able to achieve remarkable rates of socio-economic transformation since the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed more than one million lives, tore apart the economy and social fabric. He underscored the role of the government in changing the lives of the citizens, with the poverty rate dropping from 39% to 27% in the last 7 years, lifting 1.5 million people out of poverty. The poverty rate dropped from 58.9 in 2001 to 27.4 in 2024. He noted that Rwanda’s economy has registered a robust growth of 8.9% in 2024, contributing to the creation of new jobs and providing employment to the youth and fighting poverty. Nzabamwita also appreciated the existing friendly relations between Rwanda and Russia and reaffirmed Rwanda’s interests in further strengthening and enlarging existing relations in fields of mutual interest. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Russia discuss eastern DR Congo situation, strengthening ties Georgiy Yurievich Chepik, the Deputy Director of the African Affairs Department in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that Rwanda having overcome a difficult period in its history, it has achieved impressive success in national reconciliation, restoration of peace and security, and, in a short time, ensured significant economic and social progress, placing the country on the path of sustainable development. He underscored that Russia has always supported the people of Rwanda in their aspiration to strengthen national sovereignty, to withstand external pressure, and to independently determine their own path. He expressed his appreciation that the development of Russian-Rwandan cooperation receives continued attention both in Moscow and in Kigali, with both governments committed to further strengthening cooperation in political, trade and economic, and other areas. Chepik underlined that his country values the interest of Rwanda’s leadership in the Russia-Africa Forum, where the Rwandan delegation took an active part in the First Ministerial Conference that took place in Sochi in November 2024. He noted on the sidelines of this event, substantive talks were held between the Foreign Ministers of both countries, and an intergovernmental agreement on visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports was signed, which came into effect in February 2025. He added that he is confident that the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Rwanda will continue to grow for the benefit of the two peoples and in the interest of strengthening peace and stability on the African continent.
