Celebrations to mark the 21st anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation (Kwibohora21) continued on Friday in Washington, D.C and Canada.In Washington, D.C Rwandans and friends of Rwanda gathered at Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, to mark the day under the theme: "Prosperity in Dignity,” while in Canada the ceremony took place in Ottawa.

At both celebrations, historical events that preceded Rwanda’s independence, leading up to the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and the country's journey toward unity and reconciliation, and economic development were highlighted.In Washington, in attendance were Evode Imena, Minister of State for Mining, numerous Ambassadors and other Members of the Diplomatic Corp. and friends of Rwanda.

The attendees reflected on Rwanda’s liberation journey and celebrated the remarkable progress the country has recorded in the last 21 years.In her remarks, Rwanda’s ambassador to the US, Mathilde Mukantabana applauded the members of the Rwanda Patriotic Front for their patriotism and sacrifices that halted the Genocide and liberated Rwanda from decades long ethnic-based politics.

She also hailed Rwandans who have contributed to the country’s remarkable renaissance.She reminded Rwandans to reflect on the wide dimension of liberation in order to ‘cherish, safeguard and preserve its legacy for centuries to come.’

Highlighting Rwanda’s key accomplishments particularly in peace and security, women and youth empowerment, ICT, education and healthcare, Ambassador Mukantabana lauded the current leadership for the development.She thanked Rwanda’s allies for their contributions to the country’s liberation struggle and reconstruction efforts.Mukantabana called on Rwandans and friends of Rwanda to continue working together as a way to achieve lasting prosperity and reaffirmed government's commitment to building a more united, peaceful and prosperous future.The celebration ended with culture performances.

CanadaMeanwhile in Ottawa, the celebration was attended by more than 300 people, including diplomats, Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda.Talking as guest speaker, Ken Neufeld, Canadian Government Director General for Centre and West Africa emphasised the progress Rwanda has made since the Genocide.He applaud Rwanda's role in restoring peace and security in the region and its contribution to peacekeeping missions around the world.

Neufeld also emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries which he stressed as ‘very important.’

He also expressed Canada’s appreciation to Rwanda for hosting Burundian refugees during these times of conflict.

In her speech, the chargée d"Affaires of Rwanda to Canada Shakilla Umutoni highlighted the history of the struggle for liberation of the country, challenges faced to put Rwanda back on its feet as well as the achievements to date.She also talked about the existing relations between Rwanda and Canada and the need to strengthen the bilateral ties.

The celebration was animated by itorero indashyikirwa, Ottawa-based Rwandan cultural group.Friday’s celebrations in Ottawa followed earlier events that took place in Canadian communities in Montreal and Edmonton.

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