Rwandans living in Jordan on July 25 gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their country’s liberation.
In an event held in Amman, the capital of Jordan, approximately 300 guests came together to mark Rwanda’s liberation for the first time in the Middle Eastern country.
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Among the notable guests was Princess Basma bint Talal of Jordan, Yousef Alshamali, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, alongside senators, members of parliament, ambassadors, and various representatives from the diplomatic corps, business sector, academia, civil society, and the Rwandan community in Jordan.
In her address, Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa underscored the importance of celebrating Rwanda’s first liberation, noting that it is a moment for Rwandans to express deep gratitude for the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) whose courageous efforts ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and liberated the nation.
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She highlighted that Liberation Day signifies the closure of a turbulent period before 1994, a time marred by state-led division, hatred, and nepotism.
She also talked about Rwanda’s transformative journey over the past 30 years, marked by recovery and significant progress. She pointed out how the nation implemented a variety of home-grown solutions tailored to meet its unique challenges effectively.
Such initiatives include the traditional Gacaca Courts which facilitated justice and reconciliation, the deployment of Community Health Workers to improve healthcare access, and the Girinka programme which enhanced food security by providing a cow to every needy family.
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She also emphasised Rwanda’s role on the international stage, sharing its lessons learned with other nations facing similar challenges and actively contributing to global peacekeeping efforts.
The event included a screening of a "Visit Rwanda" video, which Ambassador Bakuramutsa referenced inviting the audience to explore Rwanda's stunning landscapes and meet its welcoming people.