Last weekend Rwanda marked the 32nd anniversary of Liberation Day (Kwibohora32).
Diplomatic missions across the world brought together government officials, diplomats, members of the Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda to commemorate the country’s journey from tragedy to transformation.
From North America to Europe and the Middle East, the celebrations highlighted Rwanda’s achievements over the past three decades while reaffirming the country’s commitment to unity, peace, development and international cooperation.
Canada
In Canada, the High Commission of Rwanda joined the City of Ottawa for a Kwibohora32 flag-raising ceremony, underscoring the strong and growing friendship between the two countries.
The High Commission expressed gratitude to Ottawa Deputy Mayor Stéphanie Plante and the City of Ottawa for hosting the ceremony and standing in solidarity with Rwanda as it marked the 32nd anniversary of Liberation.
Officials said the event celebrated the shared values of peace, mutual respect and international cooperation that continue to strengthen ties between Rwanda and Canada.
France
In Paris, the Embassy of Rwanda brought together members of the Rwandan community, the diplomatic corps and friends of Rwanda to commemorate Liberation Day.
The event honoured the men and women who stopped the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi while celebrating the country’s remarkable progress over the past 32 years.
Participants also reflected on Rwanda’s journey toward becoming a united, ambitious and forward-looking nation built on reconciliation, resilience and sustainable development.
United Arab Emirates
In Abu Dhabi, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UAE, John Mirenge, hosted more than 300 guests, including Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organizations Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, members of the diplomatic corps, friends of Rwanda and the Rwandan community in the UAE.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Mirenge described Rwanda’s liberation as far more than a military victory, saying it marked the rebirth of a nation and restored dignity to its people.
He noted that liberation laid the foundation for unity, reconciliation and inclusive nation-building, adding that three decades later Rwanda has emerged as a confident, resilient and forward-looking country.
“Our story is no longer defined by tragedy, but by remarkable transformation,” he said, highlighting Rwanda’s reputation as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and among the continent’s safest, cleanest and best-governed nations.
Congo-Brazzaville
Rwanda’s Embassy in Brazzaville celebrated Kwibohora32 in the presence of Congo’s Minister of International Cooperation, Denis Christel Sassou N’Guesso, diplomats and the Rwandan community.
Ambassador Parfait Busabizwa paid tribute to the men and women who liberated Rwanda, honoured those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and highlighted Rwanda’s remarkable socio-economic transformation over the past 32 years as well as the strong partnership between Rwanda and the Republic of the Congo.
Senegal
In Dakar, Rwanda’s Embassy commemorated the 32nd anniversary of Liberation with Dr Cheikhou Oumar Ba, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, representing the government, alongside diplomats, friends of Rwanda and the Rwandan community.
The embassy honored the heroes who ended the Genocide against the Tutsi and liberated Rwanda, while celebrating the country’s journey of resilience, reconciliation, national unity and transformative development.
Geneva, Switzerland
The Embassy of Rwanda in Geneva brought together members of the Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda from across Switzerland to celebrate Kwibohora32.
Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa paid tribute to the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), saying liberation restored Rwanda’s dignity and enabled the country to build a future founded on unity, responsible governance and self-reliance.
Speaking on behalf of the diaspora, Aimé Murigande highlighted the continued contribution of Rwandans abroad to the country’s development, while performances by Mariya Yohanna, Lionel Sentore and the Urunana Traditional Dance Troupe showcased Rwanda’s rich culture and identity.
Moscow
