Rwandans commemorate 30th anniversary of Liberation Day
The Rwandan High Commission in Ghana has commemorated the 30th anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation from discrimination and injustice against Tutsis post-independence.
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The anniversary marked at the Rwanda High Commission in Accra last Friday evening, welcomed scores of Rwandese in the country and members of the diplomatic community. It was dubbed: “Kwibohora” which translates as “Liberation”
The Rwanda Liberation Day is celebrated every July 4 by Rwandese as a day of rebirth from the shackles of discrimination and injustice against the Tutsis in Rwanda. The discrimination and injustice against Tutsis lasted four decades after attaining independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962. It culminated in the mass murder of over a million Tutsis in a 100-day nationwide genocide which started on April 7, 1994.
The genocide against the Tutsi was halted following the offensive mounted by the Rwandese Patriotic Army (RPA) led by the current President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame (then a Military Major), and ousting the genocidal government on July 4, 1994 which was now commemorated as Liberation Day.
Significance, Relation
At the ceremony, the Rwandan High Commissioner to Ghana, Rosemary Mbabazi, said celebrating the independence and liberation of Rwanda on the same day was remarkable as it marked the day on which the “hopes of those who agitated for independence were finally answered”.
She noted that the last three decades have been redefining and revolutionary in all aspects as it has transformed Rwanda for the better; adding that the unequivocal message that Rwandans sent to the world during these past 30 years has been “that with a clear vision and committed leadership, no goal is too high to achieve”.
Ms Mbabazi commended President Kagame for his excellent leadership which has seen his reelection two weeks ago with 99.18 per cent. This she underscored was a demonstration of Rwanda’s commitment to taking charge of its future and making choices that best suit it.
She expressed delight at the increasing women participation in politics in Rwanda following the recent presidential and parliamentary elections in Rwanda.
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“From the recent general elections, I am delighted to share that women continue to represent a big group in our legislative assembly, having increased from 61 per cent to 63 per cent. This is not just a gender empowerment statistic; it is an indication of the value that every Rwandan has in this new Rwanda,” she stated.
Testament, Commitment
In his remarks, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, said the Rwanda Liberation Day, “stands as a testament to the resilience, courage and unyielding spirit of the Rwandan people who have triumphed over adversity and emerged as beacons of hope and inspiration for the world”.
Mr Assafuah who was the government representative at the function, eulogised Rwandese patriots, heroes and heroines including President Kagame who fought valiantly for the liberation of Rwanda, in the pursuit of freedom, justice and dignity. Adding that their legacy had become a beacon that guides a world where peace reigns supreme, and the promise of a better tomorrow shines for all.
He added that the commemoration ceremony should be done while also reflecting “upon the sacrifices made, the challenges overcome, and the progress achieved on the arduous journey towards peace, reconciliation and prosperity”.
Mr Assafuah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthen bilateral trade with Rwanda.