Members of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) Inkotanyi who live in Asia and the United Kingdom (UK) celebrated the party’s 35th anniversary.
The Asia celebration event took place in New Delhi, India on February 18, where members of the political family in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka gathered physically in an event presided over by the chairperson of RPF in the Asian jurisdiction, Jacqueline Mukangira, doubling also as Rwanda’s High Commissioner/Ambassador to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Maldives.
ALSO READ: RPF-Inkotanyi to set up leadership academy
Party members who live in India but far from New Delhi, especially those in the southern parts of India and those who are in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, attended the celebration virtually.
The ceremony was marked by a well-documented presentation by Denis Polisi on the history, liberation struggle, political engagements and achievements of the RPF-Inkotanyi.
He urged the young members of RPF to "look forward and take Rwanda on the space of the fourth industrial revolution by tapping into innovation sector to bring solutions to Rwanda’s societal and economic challenges.”
ALSO READ: RPF youth tipped on innovation while upholding Rwandan values
Amb Mukangira, enlightened members, most of them students in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, on the pillars of the RPF political organization and called for consistent adherence to the founding code of conduct of RPF.
She also reminded them that: "Rwanda has achieved its current dignified status internationally due to the unwavering resilience of the RPF, its disciplined cadres and above all, the Chairman and President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame.”
Mukangira underscored that members "should always support the vision of the RPF Chairman and work tirelessly for the expansion and further strengthening of their political affiliation, the RPF.”
The young members who attended the event displayed a great level of understanding of the RPF vision and shared their prospects on the future of their political family and their envisaged role in the development of Rwanda.
ALSO READ: Kagame to RPF cadres: Unconventional methods got Rwanda far, uphold them
The celebration was also a time for the members to enjoy the songs and dances hailing the Rwandese Patriotic Front, and share meals and drinks.
UK celebrations
The RPF members in the United Kingdom (UK) celebrated the anniversary on February 11 in the city of Coventry, West Midlands.
ALSO READ: RPF at 30: Rwandans in UK celebrate achievements
More than 500 traveled from many different parts of the UK including London, Reading, Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and different parts of Scotland to celebrate.
They were joined by party members from the Republic of Ireland, France and Rwanda, all excited to show their love to the party and appreciation of its remarkable achievements for the past 35 years.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, members received teachings from several party cadres, listened to poems and enjoyed songs and dances.
Speaking at the event, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye pointed out RPF-Inkotanyi’s remarkable achievements such as liberation of Rwanda, restoration of peace and unity in the country after stopping the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi as well as leading the country to remarkable social and economic development for the past twenty-nine years.
Busingye who was the chief guest urged the attendants to protect the gains the party has made and continue showing their loyalty to the party and the country.
He also called upon every member present at the event, especially the youth, to join efforts with the party and the government in shaping a good future for the country.
Egide Ruhashya, RPF-Inkotanyi’s chairman in the UK thanked members for their loyalty to the party and the country and reminded them of a critical role they can play in continuing to build the party and supporting nation-building – back home.
Ruhashya also welcomed new members who officially joined the party by taking oath.