From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Charge d’Affaires, Rwandan High Commission, Abuja, Vianney Rubagumya, has said that 29 years after the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, liberation is still in process.
Rubagumya stated this during the celebration of the Republic of Rwanda’s 29th Liberation Day in Abuja.
The event which coincided with the country’s 61st independence day, had in attendance, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the diplomatic corps, Rwandan nationals, and friends of Rwanda.
Rubagumya recalled that on July 1st, 1962, Rwanda, like many other African countries, became an independent state.
Rubagumya however said unfortunately, Rwanda’s independence was undermined by bad leadership built on injustice and discrimination.
The Rwanda envoy further said the situation crystallized into the Genocide Against the Tutsi in 1994.
Rubagumya said: “Against this background, liberation was obtained on the 4th of July 1994 when the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), the then military wing of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), stopped the genocide and defeated the government that executed it.
“Liberation Day thus represents a very central pillar in the turn-around of Rwanda’s history. The multi-year theme: “Together we prosper,” is also a testament on how much the country has since the genocide prioritised reconciliation and building unity of purpose among Rwandans.
“The 4th of July is for us Rwandans, a time to reflect our historical past, assess what we have achieved as a nation, and reassess our targets to ensure that they remain relevant to the nation’s needs within the regional framework and international responsibilities.”
Rubagumya added that Rwanda’s renaissance was conceived around three major choices, which President Paul Kagame pointed out in his 7th April, 2014 speech titled ‘Unity, Accountability, and Thinking Big.’
He stated that based on the fundamental choices, Rwanda decisively embarked on structural socio economic and political reforms, which have been guiding the transformational process.
“In this connection, some of the significant milestones are below highlighted: Reduced poverty levels between 1994 and 2018 from 78 percent to 30 percent, respectively; increased life expectancy from 51 to 69 years in the last two decades; second best performer in the ease of doing business in Africa; fourth top troop contributing country to the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping Operations.
“Twenty nine (29) years after, “Liberation” is still in process. At the forefront of the leadership agenda of H.E President Paul Kagame, animated by the “Vision 2050”, is the commitment to consolidate and sustain the journey towards self-reliance by ensuring holistic economic emancipation, as well as effective and accountable systems of governance,” Rubagumya also said.
Rubagumya further said in the process of liberation, Rwanda counts on her citizens, but also on her friends and partners.
“I therefore take this opportunity to commend the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the immense support during the transformation journey and the excellent bilateral cooperation. President Kagame’s attendance at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration on 29th May 2023 is an affirmation of the strong bond between the two countries. Both countries are increasing cooperation, including in parliamentary diplomacy, defense and security, aviation, governance, sectoral peer-to-peer exchange, and trade and investment,” Rubagumya added.
Rubagumya also said in a bid to widen tourism and spur trade and investment, Rwanda has waived entry visas to visitors from all over Africa, the Commonwealth, and la Francophonie Nations.
“The move complements the ease of doing business strides and popularity as a preferred conference destination,” Rubagumya stated.
Also speaking, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Samson Itegboje, said the history of Rwanda and Nigeria is that of two brotherly people, bound together by cultural, social and historical ties.
The immediate past Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, New York, United States, also said the relations between the two countries have been warm and cordial since Rwanda attained independence in 1962, as both countries have supported each other at bilateral and multilateral fora.
“Such multilateral fora to which both countries belong include: The African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, the United Nations Organization and the World Trade Organization among others.
“In December 2022, Nigeria and Rwanda became the first African countries to accede to become the newest members of the Artemis Accords, a platform that promotes space exploration. In September 2021, relations between both countries were further strengthened with the signing of an agreement for the establishment of a Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission to pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual benefits.
“The maiden session of the Ministerial Joint Permanent Commission between the two countries is expected to take place here in Abuja to further strengthen the excellent bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The maiden session would provide an avenue to review the existing bilateral agreements, revive moribund agreements, as well as to sign new ones to explore the potentials of both countries,” Itegboje said.
On the bilateral level, Itegboje disclosed that frequent high level visits have enabled the two countries deepen their relations across all fields, with more areas for expansion.
“This momentum has to be maintained for the benefit of our two countries. Our two countries have been able to establish functional business forum with trade volume between us increasing in leaps and bounds as many Nigerian businessmen are well established in Rwanda, as well as Rwandan businesses well established in Nigeria, thereby improving people-to-people contacts,” Itegboje also said.