The Rwandan community in India celebrated Rwanda’s 30th anniversary of liberation (Kwibohora30), honouring the sacrifices of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), which put an end to the ethnic discrimination and stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi, ushering in a new era of national unity and stability.
Organised by the Rwandan High Commission in New Delhi, the event was attended by over 800 people, including Indian government officials, members of the diplomatic community, businesspeople, and academics.
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High Commissioner Jacqueline Mukangira said Liberation of Rwanda in July 1994 marked a new era for the country characterised by stability, national cohesion, and equal rights for all citizens.
She paid tribute to the RPA soldiers for their bravery and sacrifice, which paved the way for Rwanda&039;s recovery and ongoing development.
Mukangira noted that Rwanda had chosen the path of progress towards achieving its development goals, making strides in maintaining stability and upholding good governance principles.
She highlighted Rwanda's achievements in the health sector, education, and infrastructure development, and thanked India for its support, through investments, lines of credit, grants, and education scholarships.
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Secretary for Economic Relations in India’s Ministry of External Affairs Shri Dammu Ravi applauded Rwanda’s progress in promoting unity and reconciliation in the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
"When I visited Rwanda last April for the Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, it was an eye opener for me. Genocide showed the evil side of human beings, but the country did not stop there,” he said.
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The event also provided an opportunity for those in attendance to discuss investment opportunities in Rwanda.
Mukangira presented investment and tourism opportunities available in Rwanda, saying the country’s business environment and its strategic location should attract Indian investors.
Freddy Vinay Palaparthy, an Indian investor in Rwanda, discussed the country's investment opportunities and a favourable business climate. He said there was immense potential for Indian businesses and investors to thrive in Rwanda.
Liberation Day is celebrated every year on July 4 at the national level.