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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, bad leadership built on injustice and discrimination undermined Rwanda’s independence.
The Rwanda envoy further said the situation crystallised 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.’
