Residents in different parts of the Southern Province have been urged to be actively involved in all efforts geared towards nation building, starting with their families.The call was made on Thursday during the 19th Liberation Day celebrations.The day, which was for the first time celebrated at the village level, was marked under the theme: “Celebrating Africa’s Renaissance, Working towards Self-reliance”.Speaking in Nyanza District, the provincial Governor Alphonse Munyantwari said that residents have a reason to celebrate as the country had embarked on a journey of development ever since the Genocide was stopped 19–years ago.He noted that all sectors– agriculture, education, health, trade and others– have gradually improved and residents continued to register significant improvement in the way they are living.“What is important is that all Rwandans now have their destiny and that of the country in their hands. Everyone has a chance to participate and contribute towards development, a chance we should not put to waste,” Munyantwari observed.In Huye District, mayor Eugene Kayiranga Muzuka said Liberation Day was an occasion to reflect on the history of the country, noting that bad leadership led to the nation’s destruction during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.He urged residents to learn from the country’s tragic past to build a brighter future.“We should use our knowledge and skills and seize available opportunities to transform our lives,” Muzuka said.Jean Baptiste Ndorimana, a local resident, said the Liberation Day was “an occasion for residents to reflect on their contribution to building a strong nation.”Commending RPA In Muhanga District, residents met in their villages to discuss the Liberation struggle and how to sustain its fruits.Prior to the ceremonies, residents joined students, local officials, Army and Police in a march to celebrate the Day.Speakers at various venues thanked the Rwandese Patriotic Army (RPA) for putting an end to the Genocide and helping the country start a new journey of hope.Residents in Nyabihu District expressed gratitude to government which they said had championed the efforts of liberating them from poverty and spearheaded development. “I have been liberated from poverty and this is because of the favourable conditions put in place by this government,” said Theoneste Nzabarinda from Gashenyi village.The Governor of Western Province, Celestin Kabahizi, urged residents to keep working in harmony to develop the province further. “You have to work hard and maximise the resources at your disposal. We have the key enablers like infrastructure and security, what is needed is working harder,” said Kabahizi.Additional reporting by Jean d’Amour Mbonyinshuti
