At the closing ceremony of the “Africa. Together into the Future” festival, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia, Major General Joseph Nzabamwita, delivered an address celebrating Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, resilience, unity and cultural revival. The festival was held at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow with the support of the Russian ministries of culture and foreign affairs and the historical State Tretyakov Gallery. ALSO READ: Gen Nzabamwita presents credentials to represent Rwanda in Russia In his remarks, Nzabamwita reflected on Rwanda’s journey over the past thirty years, describing how the country has rebuilt itself from tragedy into a story of unity and progress. He emphasized the importance of cultural traditions in Rwanda’s socio-economic development, noting that culture heritage promotion remains a cornerstone of Rwanda’s national identity. “Culture is a bridge that connects people and helps us see one another beyond borders,” he said. “It deepens understanding and strengthens bonds of friendship, all in the spirit of genuine people-to-people diplomacy.” The ambassador thanked the festival organizers for providing a platform for Rwanda’s cultural troupe, Imena mu Nganzo, to share the country's story through dance and music. The troupe was founded by Rwandan students in Moscow. Their performance captivated the audience, bringing Rwanda’s rhythm and heartbeat to Moscow — a living testament to how cultural exchange can bridge nations and strengthen mutual respect. The audience responded with admiration, and many expressed that the performance left them eager to see more. The “Africa. Together into the Future” festival has become a prominent annual event highlighting African art, film, and music, while reinforcing partnerships between Russia and African nations. Rwanda’s participation this year underscored the growing cultural diplomacy between the two countries and the enduring spirit of Africa’s creative collaboration.
