The Rwanda High Commission in Kenya on Thursday celebrated the country's 29th anniversary of liberation.
Also known as Kwibohora, the 29th edition marks the end of genocide and the defeat of the government that executed it on July 4, 1994.
Embassies, however, decide when to commemorate. The theme of the event that was held at Moven Pick Hotel, Westlands was “Together we prosper.”
The day gave an opportunity for Rwandans in the country to reflect on how far they have come as a nation and to share their liberation story, the journey of unity and reconciliation and the country’s ongoing renewal and development trajectory.
The chief guest during the event was the Director of UN multilateral affairs, Catherine Mogaka.
Mogaka said the day marks the end of one of the darkest chapters in the history of the land of thousand hills.
“It symbolises the triumph of the Rwanda people’s resilience, courage and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity,” she said.
She said the day remembers sacrifices made to honour the memory of those who lost their lives and celebrate the remarkable progress the country has made since the fateful day in 1994.
She said Rwanda has made tremendous progress from the ashes of a devastating genocide, rising as a shining example of resilience and reconciliation.
Mogaka said the journey has not been easy but with visionary leadership, unity and collective efforts of its people, Rwanda has emerged as a beacon of hope.
She said the process of healing, forgiveness and rebuilding trust has been central to the nation’s progress.
“By acknowledging the painful past and promoting justice, Rwanda has laid the foundation for a future that is rooted in peace, stability and inclusive growth,” she said.
Mogaka said the country has made commendable strides in education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic diversification, setting an example for other countries.
She said freedom and peace are not privileges to be taken for granted but rights that must be safeguarded and natural.
“Let us recommit ourselves to upholding the values of justice, tolerance and respect for human dignity,” Mogaka said.
First Counsellor and Charge d’Affaires at Rwanda High Commission in Kenya Donne Besigye said the day holds a special place in the hearts of Rwandans.
“This important day signifies Rwanda’s transition from an oppressive and discriminative regime that oppressed its citizens, forced thousands of Rwandans to flee to exile and perpetrated one of the harshest genocides in human history,” Besigye said.
Besigye lauded Kenya for a helping hand in its reconstruction and development bid.
He said Kenya and Rwanda have agreed on several frameworks of integration that include custom union, free movement of goods, services and labour, common market, monetary union and political federation.
Besigye said Rwanda’s economy has grown in lips and bounds and that World Bank rates the country as one of the 10 African countries that have enjoyed rapid economic growth.
Besigye said the country is second in Africa where it is easy to do business.
“More than 90 per cent of Rwandans are currently covered by Universal Health Insurance.
"Health facilities are more accessible including the use of technology such as drones that deliver life-saving blood and other materials to remote health facilities,” Besigye said adding that life expectancy has tripled from around 28 years in 1994 to 70 years currently.
Besigye said Rwanda is now a clean, green, least corrupt and safe country.