For Rwandans living abroad, Kwibohora, or liberation, remains a powerful reminder of home. Beyond celebrating Rwanda's liberation, many in the diaspora say the day reconnects them with the country's history, values and aspirations. ALSO READ: What's on this Liberation weekend? As Rwanda celebrates the 32nd Liberation Day on July 4, diaspora members say Kwibohora is not only about remembering the past but also about reaffirming their commitment to Rwanda's future, wherever they are in the world. Gervais Shema Trada, 21, United Kingdom As a child, I understood Kwibohora as freedom from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and conflict. As I have grown older and become more connected to Rwanda, I've come to see it as something much bigger. It is about hope, unity and the progress we continue to build together. Although I didn't live through Rwanda's liberation struggle, I feel deeply connected to it because my family was directly affected. Knowing what previous generations endured reminds me that the opportunities I enjoy today exist because of their sacrifices. That gives me both pride and a responsibility to contribute to Rwanda's future, even while living abroad. Growing up in the UK has taught me that being British and being Rwandan are not competing identities. My Rwandan heritage is the foundation of who I am, while my British upbringing has added to that identity rather than replaced it. ALSO READ: Rwanda to host second edition of Liberation Day boxing competition To me, liberation today is about honouring the sacrifices that made Rwanda's progress possible by pursuing excellence, creating opportunities and representing Rwanda positively wherever I am. It is also a reminder that our generation has a responsibility to strengthen unity, expand opportunities and help build an even better future for those who come after us. Anthony Rugigana, Israel Kwibohora reminds me of Rwanda's journey from division to unity and hope. Before colonial rule, Rwandans shared one language, one culture and a strong sense of identity. Colonial policies created divisions that eventually led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, making liberation the beginning of Rwanda's recovery and rebuilding. The liberation struggle was built on values such as discipline, sacrifice, patriotism and service. Those values continue to inspire me and show that Rwanda's progress was achieved through resilience and a shared vision for the country. Although I live abroad, I feel deeply connected to Rwanda. The country's transformation and the leadership that has guided its development have strengthened my pride in being Rwandan. No matter where I am in the world, Rwanda will always be home. To me, Kwibohora is both a time to remember the past and a call to protect what has been achieved. It reminds us to uphold unity, resilience and dignity while ensuring that future generations inherit an even stronger Rwanda. Justin Niyonkuru, Bahrain Kwibohora means the freedom for Rwandans to determine their own future without external influence or colonial rule. Over the years, my understanding has grown, and I have come to appreciate liberation as the foundation of the Rwanda we know today. Living abroad has made me feel even more connected to Rwanda. Knowing our country's history, especially the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, gives me the confidence and courage to proudly represent and defend Rwanda wherever I am. That connection comes from a deep sense of pride in my country. Although I have lived abroad for the past five years, I make a conscious effort to preserve my Rwandan identity. I speak Kinyarwanda whenever I can and always take time to commemorate Kwibohora, which fills me with hope and confidence in Rwanda's future. For me, liberation is about freedom, but it is also about responsibility. Remembering the past is essential because it reminds us where we came from and guides where we are going. It is now our generation's responsibility to protect Rwanda's achievements and help build an even stronger future for those who will come after us. Jarvis Shema Wizeye, 21, United Kingdom Kwibohora is the reason why I can proudly call Rwanda my home. The dream that those before me fought so hard and tirelessly for is my reality, and for that I am forever grateful. Growing up, I learnt about Rwanda's history through my family, the Rwandan diaspora community and visits home. As I've matured, that connection has only grown stronger. Living in the United Kingdom, my parents made sure Rwandan culture remained part of our everyday life, while I also embraced British culture. That balance has helped me stay connected to my roots. To me, liberation is not only about remembering the past but also about taking responsibility for the future. We have the chance to build a Rwanda that the next generation can be even more proud of, just as the generation before us did for us. Remembering our country's journey inspires me to make the most of the opportunities I have today and to contribute to Rwanda's continued development. Gloria Mwiza, 23, Poland Kwibohora reminds me of the sacrifices that gave my generation the opportunity to grow up with hope and to proudly call Rwanda home. My understanding of liberation has grown through my family's stories, visits to Rwanda and staying connected to my culture while living in Poland. Those experiences have helped me appreciate not only what Rwanda has overcome but also how far the country has come. For me, balancing my Rwandan identity with life abroad means embracing both cultures without losing my roots. I take pride in my heritage and see it as something that shapes my values wherever I go. Kwibohora is not only about remembering the past. It is also a call for my generation to contribute to Rwanda's future in whatever way we can, whether through our work, our ideas or by representing our country with pride. The progress Rwanda has made reminds me that every generation has a responsibility to build on what those before us achieved. Denzel Reagan Kira, United Kingdom Although I didn't live through liberation, I feel deeply connected to it because it is part of my family's story. History has given me both a sense of loss and immense pride in those who fought to save our people. So Kwibohora is a day that reminds us of the importance of moving forward together as one nation. Growing up in Britain, my mother worked hard to keep me connected to Rwanda through our language, culture and regular visits home. Today, I see Kwibohora as both a time to remember the past and a responsibility to carry its lessons forward. Liberation was not only for the survivors, but also for future generations, and it is our duty to ensure those sacrifices are never forgotten. Nicholas Muhire, 27, Germany My understanding of Kwibohora has changed over the years. As a child, I saw it mainly as the liberation of Rwanda from Genocide ideology and conflict. Today, I understand it as something much deeper, a symbol of hope, unity and the determination to build a better future together. Although I did not witness Rwanda's liberation, I feel personally connected to it because my family was directly affected. Knowing what previous generations endured reminds me that the opportunities I have today exist because of their sacrifices. That gives me both pride and a sense of responsibility to contribute to Rwanda's future, even while living in Germany. Being Rwandan and growing up in the UK before moving to Germany has taught me that my identities complement rather than compete with one another. My Rwandan heritage remains the foundation of who I am, while my experiences abroad have broadened my perspective. To me, Kwibohora is not only about remembering the past. It is also about honouring those who made Rwanda's progress possible by striving for excellence, creating opportunities and representing Rwanda positively wherever we are. Our generation has a responsibility to strengthen unity and help build an even better future for those who come after us.
