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KIGALI | Xinhua | Rwanda on Thursday marked the 30th anniversary of its liberation with a grand celebration at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, the Rwandan capital.
The event, known locally as Kwibohora, commemorates the end of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, a tragic event that claimed more than one million lives. The Rwandan Patriotic Army, the armed wing of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), brought the genocide to an end on this day, marking a new era for the nation.
The celebration featured a military parade, showcasing the strength and unity of Rwanda’s defense and security forces. Thousands of Rwandans, including government officials, members of the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police and other security organs gathered to honor the day.
“Today, we come to the end of our period of commemoration and celebrate the liberation of our country. Rwandans today are better and stronger than we have ever been. Our army and security forces are a powerful symbol of unity and safety,” Rwandan President Paul Kagame said at the event.
He emphasized the significance of the liberation and the progress Rwanda has made since then. Kagame acknowledged the sacrifices made for Rwanda’s freedom, saying “On July the 4th, we express our thanks to those who liberated Rwanda and remember those who gave their lives.”
Kagame also highlighted the trust Rwandans have in their security forces, saying “In opinion surveys ranking trust in public institutions, Rwandans consistently rate our security forces among the highest. That is no accident. By nature, Rwandan security posture has always been defensive, not offensive. We only act when trouble is brought to us. We prioritize cooperation and working together.”
President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame arrived at Amahoro Stadium joining thousands of Rwandans and friends of Rwanda for the 30th anniversary of Liberation Day, the day the Rwandan Patriotic Army liberated Kigali and put an end to the Genocide against the Tutsi.… pic.twitter.com/ZHEt82wSBr
— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) July 4, 2024
The president outlined the broader scope of Rwanda’s struggle today, noting that it is about more than just survival. The focus is on living well, achieving success and overcoming poverty, dependence and indignity. Rwanda aims to be an upright nation of Africans contributing to building a better continent and a fairer world.
Addressing the youth, Kagame underlined their responsibility to protect, defend and make the country prosperous. He said that real liberation begins when guns fall silent, a stage that started 30 years ago, and now the younger generation is expected to take it further.
A series of activities to celebrate the anniversary have been held since last week, including a tour of key historical sites related to the liberation struggle, the inauguration of socioeconomic development projects, and the premiere of a film with the liberation struggle as the background. ■
