Rwanda was this evening elected to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member, collecting 148 out of 192 votes, surpassing the minimum two-thirds votes (128 members) it required to replace South Africa.

Rwanda, whose two-year term starts January, 2013, last held the same position in 1993-94 – a period during which the country experienced a horrific genocide that claimed more than a million of its citizens, with the then genocidal regime using  the strategic UN position to discourage outside intervention.

Following the vote, Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, tweeted: "It's the right thing, a testament to how far we've come and our commitment to international peace.”

The news has been warmly welcomed across the country and beyond with Rwandans and well-wishers taking to social networking sites to express their happiness.

In what was widely viewed as attempts to sabotage the country’s bid, a UN Group of Experts this week leaked a highly contentious report accusing Rwanda of backing a rebellion in the neighbouring DRC, an allegation Kigali has strongly denied.

Over recent years, Rwanda has risen as a major player on the international scene. It is the sixth peacekeepers contributing country in the world, and plays a crucial role in promoting the Millennium Development Goals and the Broadband Commission for Digital Development, with President Paul Kagame among the world leaders leading advocacy in the two global campaigns.

At home, Kigali is credited with promoting reconciliation, improving the living conditions of the people and pursuing all-inclusive policies.