Rwandans living abroad on Saturday, July 4, marked the 32nd anniversary of Liberation Day, with celebrations attended by diplomats, host government officials and friends of Rwanda. Held under the theme “Rwanda’s journey continues,” the events honoured the men and women of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) who stopped the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and liberated the country. They also reflected on the country's progress over the past 32 years. ALSO READ: Kagame marks 32 years of Liberation, says Rwanda’s struggle must continue to evolve Russia In Moscow, more than 350 guests, including Russian government officials, diplomats and members of the Rwandan community from Russia and Belarus, attended a reception hosted by the Embassy of Rwanda. Rwanda's Ambassador to Russia, Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, noted that Liberation Day honours those who liberated the country and laid the foundation for unity, reconciliation and national development. Liberation is a continuing struggle against evil, injustice and all forms of backwardness, Nzabamwita said, urging Rwandan students abroad to acquire advanced knowledge and skills that will contribute to Rwanda's development and national security. ALSO READ: The journey for liberation continues – PM Nsengiyumva Anatoli Bashkin, Director of the Department of Sub-Saharan African States at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised Rwanda's progress in reconciliation, peace and socio-economic transformation over the past three decades and reaffirmed Russia's commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation. Switzerland In Geneva, members of the Rwandan community from across Switzerland gathered to celebrate Liberation Day through cultural performances and dialogue on Rwanda's past and future development. Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa paid tribute to the RPA fighters, saying their courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for today's Rwanda. ALSO READ: What Kwibohora means to Rwandans living abroad The Rwanda Patriotic Army, under the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame, played a decisive role in the liberation of our country. Through its courage, sacrifice and discipline, it ended the genocidal regime and paved the way for national reconstruction, she said. She called on young Rwandans to uphold patriotism, integrity and service while contributing to Rwanda's development. ALSO READ: Kwibohora30: Rwandans abroad reflect on the ‘ambitious society’ Rwanda has become Jacques Nkurunziza, a former RPA member, shared reflections on the liberation struggle, while other speakers encouraged young people to preserve the values of unity, resilience and patriotism. Singapore Members of the Rwandan community in Singapore, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions joined in celebration hosted by the Rwanda High Commission. High Commissioner Innocent Muhizi honoured those who fought for Rwanda's liberation and reflected on the country's transformation, highlighting growing cooperation between Rwanda and Singapore in artificial intelligence, fintech, education, sustainability, security and trade. Pakistan The Rwanda High Commission in Islamabad hosted a reception attended by government officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Rwandan community. High Commissioner Fatou Harerimana paid tribute to the men and women of the RPA who stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi, saying their courage and sacrifice would never be forgotten. Pakistan's Minister of State for Law and Justice, Aqeel Malik, praised Rwanda's achievements since liberation. Kwibohora marks the beginning of Rwanda's remarkable journey of unity, reconciliation, resilience and socio-economic transformation, he said, expressing confidence that relations between Pakistan and Rwanda would continue to grow. The celebration also showcased Rwandan culture through music and speciality coffee. Zambia More than 500 guests gathered in Lusaka to mark both the 32nd anniversary of Liberation Day and Rwanda's 64th Independence anniversary. Representing the Zambian government, Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe described Rwanda's recovery as an inspiration for Africa. Kwibohora is a powerful testament to resilience and unity. Zambia notes with admiration Rwanda's remarkable transformation. From post-conflict recovery to sustained development, your journey is an inspiration to the African continent, he said. Rwanda's High Commissioner to Zambia, Emmanuel Bugingo said Liberation Day remains a time to honour the men and women whose sacrifices laid the foundation for national unity, reconciliation and development. Rwanda has transformed from a post-conflict, ruined economy in 1994 into one of Africa's fastest growing and most stable economies, he said. United Arab Emirates More than 300 guests, including senior UAE government officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Rwandan community, attended celebrations in Abu Dhabi hosted by Ambassador John Mirenge. Rwanda's Liberation was far more than a military victory. It marked the rebirth of a nation. It restored dignity to our people and created the conditions for unity, reconciliation and inclusive nation building, Mirenge said. He also highlighted growing trade and investment between Rwanda and the UAE, describing the partnership as strategic. China Rwandans in China were joined by Chinese government officials, diplomats, representatives of international organisations and friends of Rwanda to mark Liberation Day. Ambassador James Kimonyo paid tribute to those who fought to liberate Rwanda and thanked countries and individuals that supported Rwanda during the liberation struggle. He said Rwanda's progress over the past 32 years had been driven by strong leadership and continued international partnerships. France In Paris, members of the Rwandan community, diplomats and friends of Rwanda commemorated the 32nd anniversary of Liberation Day. Ambassador François Nkulikiyimfura reflected on the significance of the liberation struggle. It was thanks to the RPF Inkotanyi army that the Genocide against the Tutsi was brought to an end. Today, we honour the men and women who fought and defeated the genocidal forces, he said. He said the anniversary was an opportunity to honour those who liberated Rwanda while celebrating the country's journey towards unity, reconciliation and a future focused on continued development. United Kingdom More than 500 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda gathered in London to honour those who sacrificed for the country's freedom while reaffirming their commitment to unity, dignity and continued progress. South Korea In South Korea, the event reflected on Rwanda's transformation over the past 32 years and paid tribute to the men and women whose sacrifices secured the country's freedom, unity, peace, security and development. Sweden The Embassy of Rwanda to the Nordic Countries joined the Rwandan community in Stockholm to celebrate Liberation Day alongside members of the diplomatic corps and friends of Rwanda. The celebrations continued with the GANZA Africa Nordic Festival, organised by Rwandan youth in Sweden, showcasing Rwandan culture, music and unity. The embassy said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on Rwanda's transformation over the past 32 years while reminding Rwandans of their responsibility to continue contributing to the country's future. Canada In Canada, the Rwanda High Commission and the City of Ottawa marked the 32nd anniversary of Liberation Day with a flag raising ceremony at Ottawa City Hall. The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, the Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda. According to the High Commissioner, the raising of the Rwandan flag alongside that of Canada symbolised Rwanda's journey from tragedy to hope, from division to unity and the shared responsibility to safeguard peace, dignity and progress. A flag is more than a symbol. It is a reminder of where we have come from, who we are, and the responsibility we carry for generations to come,” said High Commissioner Prosper Higiro. Ethiopia In Addis Ababa, the Rwandan community and the Rwandan Embassy marked Liberation Day in a ceremony that was also attended by officials from the Ethiopian government, the African Union, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, members of the diploatic corps and friends of Rwanda. The gathering paid tribute to Rwanda’s resilience, unity and transformation since 1994.
