Members of the Diplomatic corps, Rwandans and friends of Rwanda on Thursday, July 7, joined Rwanda in celebrating the 28th anniversary of Liberation.

The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Washington D.C. The attendees were taken through a detailed account of the journey that the RPA Inkotanyi undertook to defeat the genocidal regime, bringing to an end the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi on 4 July.

The Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States of America, H.E. Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze commended Rwanda’s achievements in different sectors.

She hailed the contribution of the Government of Rwanda showing the world that women are cornerstones in the development of nations.

She pointed out “Rwanda is globally leading in women participation in decision-making in all positions with 61.3% of women in parliament; in addition, women hold 55% of government cabinet positions.”

In her remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda in Washington D.C, Mathilde Mukantabana, quoting President Paul Kagame told attendees that Rwanda’s Liberation was not about restoring the past but creating something fundamentally new and better for all Rwandans.

Ambassador Mathilde reminded that the liberation struggle sought to build a country suitable for all.

“The Kwibohora means to unshackle oneself. It’s a continuous journey our country has embarked on under the abiding principle of people-based governance.” She added.

She added, “I urge and encourage our young people present today to embrace your heritage, draw inspiration from those who came before you, and use your talents to build a better Rwanda, a better Africa, and a better world for all of us.”

The vice president of Rwandan Community in the United States “Liberation was achieved through great sacrifice, sacrifice guided by a vision of a better society …the journey has not been an easy one, it required thinking beyond self

She challenged member of Rwandan diaspora to be part of the progress that Rwandan is making.

“Let us not be complacent, let us be part of the progress. The opportunity to talk about Rwanda, when you speak Rwanda, people on the ground have set the precedence, for diaspora, we are proud to call ourselves Rwandans. It is our duty to protect that legacy that has been set…we have to make sure that we are the ambassadors of our country.”

The celebration of Liberation was combined with Rwanda’s 60th Independence that took place on July 1.

This was the first in-person Liberation Day celebration in Washington D.C since COVID-19 hiatus.

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