Rwandans in Canada and Singapore on Friday convened at Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa and Singapore respectively to observe the 22nd liberation anniversary.

In Canada, the celebrations coincided with the country’s 54th independence day, something that saw Rwandans joined by their friends and several members of the diplomatic community to celebrate both days.

In her statement, Shakilla Umutoni, the Chargée d’Affaires in Rwanda’s High Commission thanked Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) for stopping the genocidal regime and the divisive politics that ended in a tragedy where over one million people were killed in the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.

She said that instead of enjoying independence, many Rwandans were rather discriminated against resulting in many Rwandans fleeing to neighbouring countries.

She also hailed the tremendous progress made by the government of Rwanda in the past 22 years in different sectors and domains playing a vital role in regional and international arena.

Lise Philiatreaut, the Assistant deputy Minister at Canada foreign affairs who graced the ceremonies, lauded Rwanda for her leadership role in promoting women and peace building around the world. She also expressed Canada's appreciation for Rwanda in hosting Burundi refugees.

In Singapore, celebration of the 22nd anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation was graced by about 200 guests including, Sam Tan Chin Siong, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister of Singapore together with Members of Parliament Christopher de Souza and Cherryl Chan Wei Ling, members of the Diplomatic Corps, the business community, friends of Rwanda and Rwandans.

Sam Tan Chin Siong, saluted the progress realised by Rwanda and highlighted that Rwandans and Rwanda should be even more opportunistic about the future given the remarkable achievements so far realized. He added that Rwanda had become an icon of development in many domains within Africa and beyond.

Amb Guillaume Kavaruganda, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Singapore reiterated the role of the Rwanda Defense Forces(RDF) and its leadership in stopping the genocide against the Tutsi, the current social and economic achievements in the last 22 years since the liberation. He also recognised the excellent bilateral relations between Rwanda and Singapore. 

The celebration also featured traditional Rwandan dancers and guests were treated to Rwandan Coffee and Teas as well as take-away gifts of Rwanda honey.

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