The Rwandan Ambassador to China, Charles Kayonga, has urged the youth and Rwandans in general to have much love of their country and protect the gains of liberation to ensure continuity of peace and development. 

"Be patriotic, responsible, self disciplined, politically conscious and realise that you must be a player in your country’s affairs in one way or another,” he said.

Amb. Kayonga was speaking on Saturday at the commemoration of the 21st Liberation Day that is celebrated to mark the defeat of genocidal regime and the end of the Genocide against Tutsi, in the People’s Republic of China.

The commemoration activities took place in the City of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province under the theme, "Prosperity in Dignity”.

It was attended by officials from the Foreign Affairs Office of Jiangsu Province; representatives of Universities in Nanjing, Rwandan Community in China and friends of Rwanda.

Kayonga shared with the audience about the road to liberation, where Rwanda came from, where the country is now, where Rwanda and Rwandans are headed and the role of young people in the journey ahead.

Foreign interference

Kayonga condemned the detractors who continue to undermine the efforts and achievements of Rwanda, citing an example of the recent arrest of Lt Gen Karenzi Karake in London.

Today, Rwanda enjoys stability, improvement of the economy and the living conditions of citizens, he said.

"Today, we also celebrate major achievements on our targets under Vision 2020 and we are determined to ensure continuity of stability and development,” he said.

Kayonga recalled that Rwanda is yet to totally defeat the FDLR militia that have protection and sympathy from foreign actors in the region and abroad.

On this front we fight in different forms with different arms including diplomacy, information and media, legal and international courts and judges, he said.

"Regarding the economic development front, the Government of Rwanda continues to empower Rwandan people economically to overcome poverty, disease, and ensure food security, access to social facilities including education, health, clean water, shelter with view to making Rwanda less dependent on foreign aid.”

The celebration of Liberation Day was preceded by a football match between Rwandan Community in China followed by election of the new committee of the Rwandan community in China.

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