The Rwandan Embassy in The Netherlands yesterday hosted the official Liberation Day (Kwibohora 21) commemoration at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague.

More than 250 guests, including officials of the Dutch Government, the diplomatic community, friends of Rwanda, Rwandan nationals living in the Netherlands, among others, attended the event.

The event was preceded by Liberation Day celebrations held on July 4 in The Hague, where Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga and the team at the embassy hosted guests.

Karabaranga said that Rwandans stand together on July 4, as a united people, liberated and focused, as never before, on attaining the future they want.

"Now that the foundation has been laid firmly, there is a collective duty to keep propelling Rwanda forward,” he said.

Quoting President Paul Kagame, Karabaranga said that in the aftermath of the Genocide, Rwandans made three important choices — to stay together, to be accountable and to think big. He stressed that such decisions have been at the core of the country’s on-going efforts to overcome insurmountable challenges, he said.

Karabaranga explained that Kwibohora21 is an opportunity for Rwandans to share the Rwandan true story and learn about their country’s vision for a peaceful, prosperous and self-reliant nation.

Commenting on the progress of the country, he pointed out that under the current leadership, Rwanda has made tremendous strides in all aspects, including on security and economic development.

He stressed that, in Rwanda, the conviction to fight divisionism will never waver, adding that this conviction has allowed the Rwandan citizens to build a new country that delivers security, services, and opportunities to all citizens.

"Rwanda still has a long way to go, but I am convinced that, with our approach of owning our challenges, there is no reason to fear the future.”

Both events featured several Rwandan music and traditional dance performances.

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