Rwandans living in different countries around the world last weekend joined compatriots in marking the 21st Liberation celebrations. The events were marked with reflecting on the gains the country has made and how best to consolidate them to build a better future.

Marked at the national level on July 4, Rwandans in the Diaspora were joined by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and friends to mark the day. This year’s celebration was held under the theme; Prosperity in dignity/ Twiteze imbere twihesha agaciro.

New Delhi

In the Indian capital, New Delhi, the Rwandan High Commissioner Ernest Rwamucyo on Saturday hosted nearly 400 guests to an event that had Tanmaya Lal, the Secretary in charge of Eastern and Southern Africa at the Ministry of External Affairs, as chief guest.

According to a statement, the event attracted members of the Indian business fraternity and Rwandans living around Delhi, who gathered to honour the heroes of the Liberation struggle led by the Rwanda Patriotic Front.

In his remarks, Rwamucyo paid tribute to the brave men and women of the Rwandan Patriotic Army for stopping the Genocide and liberating the country from a genocidal regime.

Speaking about this year’s theme, the envoy said; "It speaks to the achievements Rwanda has registered over the last 21 years and the continued journey to social and economic transformation.”

"It also emphasises the Rwandan peoples’ enduring struggle for dignity and self-reliance, without which the country’s liberation will not be complete.”

In his remarks, Lal commended Rwandans for their resilience and the Government of Rwanda for its tremendous efforts and progress made since 1994.

"India remains committed to supporting Rwanda’s endeavors and to further strengthen the bilateral relations between our two nations based on mutual respect and the spirit of the South-South cooperation,” Lal said.

The celebration was also testimony to the excellent bilateral co-operation existing between Rwanda and India, showcased through Rwandan cultural dances performed by Rwandan students living in Punjab, in fusion with Indian Bollywood dances.

The event was also attended by different honorary consuls representing Rwanda in different parts of India and in neighbouring countries.

South Sudan

In South Sudan, the Rwandan community and friends on Saturday gathered at Juba Tomping Base of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to mark the Liberation Day in an event that was also attended by the Special Representative of UN Secretary General Ms Ellen Margret Loej.

During the event, the Rwandan Contingent Commander at UNMISS, Lt Col John Muvunyi told guests of the significance of July 4 to Rwandans, saying it was a day of Rwanda’s rebirth.

"It symbolises the courage, resilience and sacrifice made by Rwandans to liberate themselves from the genocidal regime that was characterised by terror and divisionism in our country,” he said.

Muvunyi further noted that after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda resolved to contribute to international peace and security in peacekeeping missions as a sign of solidarity with other countries going through difficulties.

Since 2004, Rwanda has risen to become one of the top providers of peacekeepers for both United Nations and African Union missions.

"As Rwanda commemorates the 21st anniversary of liberation, let me, on behalf of the entire United Nations family in South Sudan, express our congratulations and solidarity with Rwandan People,” said Loej who was also the guest of honour.

She thanked Rwanda peacekeepers for their contribution, good work and discipline.

Loej also commended Rwanda for increasing the number of female peacekeepers in the United Nations Mission. 

She also lauded Rwanda peacekeepers for Umuganda (community work) that is publicised widely in national media, saying  the gesture has become a national identity and pride where they are deployed.

Rwanda is the fifth largest UN troop and police contributing country in the UN peacekeeping mission. Rwanda has 1,882 personnel deployed in UNMISS composed of contingent troops, an aviation unit, formed police unit, individual police and military observers.

Addis Ababa

In the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Phillip Karenzi, the Chargé d’Affaires  at the Rwandan Embassy in Ethiopia, told a gathering that those who seek to change Rwanda’s story of liberation should be resisted by Africa.

Karenzi, who was addressing several diplomats and Rwandans living in Ethiopia, said there are clear actions by certain entities in the international community aimed at deliberately distorting an African account of liberation.

"There are some people in the international community who have decided to change the Rwandan story of liberation to serve their own interests. This is an insult to the heroes of the liberation struggle, Rwandans and Africans in general and must be resisted,” he said.

He also made reference to the recent arrest by UK authorities of Lt Gen Karenzi Karake, Rwanda’s head of National Intelligence and Security Services and a liberation hero, as one of those machinations aimed at undermining and changing Rwanda’s story of liberation.

On his part, Ambassador Wahide Belay, the Ethiopian Permanent Representative to the African Union, who spoke on behalf of the Ethiopian government, commended Rwanda’s development in the past 21 years.

"Rwanda has come a long way from where it was 21 years ago. The economy has been growing in an impressive manner, lives have been transformed and the country has been reconciled and united,” he said.

The event, which was held at the Rwanda Embassy in Addis Ababa, brought together over 200 people, who included members of the diplomatic corps, private sector, civil society and Rwandans living in Ethiopia. 

In Uganda, hundreds of Rwandans gathered at the residence of the High Commissioner Frank Mugambage, where he called upon all pan-Africanists on the continent to fight against the contempt by certain countries mainly targeting Africans.