Paul Kagame’s re-election as President of Rwanda with over 99 per cent of the votes reflects the aspiration of Rwandans to achieve "greater prosperity,” says the country’s ambassador to Morocco.
Shakilla Umutoni said this on Thursday, July 25, at an event held in the Moroccan capital Rabat to mark the 30th anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation.
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The event was held days after Kagame’s victory in the July 14-15 election was confirmed by the National Electoral Commission, giving him a five-year term.
Umutoni said Kagame’s re-election with overwhelming support, 30 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi, reflected the trust and recognition of the Rwandan people for his visionary leadership towards socioeconomic development.
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"This victory also symbolizes our unity as a nation and the Rwandan people's desire to continue the path towards greater prosperity,” she said.
Umutoni stressed the importance of the Liberation Day, which marked the beginning of a new era ushered in by the Rwanda Patriotic Army under the leadership of Kagame, who had stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The ceremony was attended by 200 people including members of the Rwandan community in the North African country, Moroccan government officials, diplomats, civil society representatives and friends of Rwanda. They were entertained by a Rwandan troupe that displayed traditional dances.
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Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Riyad Mezzour, applauded Rwanda’s progress under the leadership of President Kagame, saying the country&039;s transformation was "undeniably an African success story.”
He expressed the Moroccan government’s congratulations to President Kagame on his election, and praised the friendship between the two countries.
"On this day of celebrations, we would like to pay tribute to your courage, your determination and your vision for a better future. Long live Rwanda and long live Morocco,” Mezzour said.
Rwanda's Liberation Day is celebrated on July 4 at the national level. Members of the Rwandan abroad organise events to celebrate Liberation Day in their respective countries of residence.