Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
Rwanda today marks the 32nd anniversary of Liberation Day, or Kwibohora 32, commemorating the end of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and the beginning of the country’s journey towards recovery, reconciliation and national reconstruction.
The day marks the victory of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) forces, led by President Paul Kagame, which brought an end to the genocide and ushered in a new chapter focused on rebuilding the nation.
In a statement marking the occasion, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr James Musoni, said the transformation the country has undergone since 1994 demonstrates what is possible when a nation prioritises inclusive national unity and reconciliation.
He said while Liberation Day symbolises Rwanda’s recovery from one of history’s greatest human tragedies, it also honours the memory of those who lost their lives during the genocide, ensuring that the atrocities of 1994 are never forgotten.
“Liberation Day symbolises the nation’s recovery from one of history’s greatest human tragedies and commemorates the end of the genocide and the beginning of Rwanda’s reconstruction under a government committed to national unity, reconciliation, security, and development,” Ambassador Musoni said.
The genocide against the Tutsi began on April 7, 1994.
Over a period of 100 days, more than one million innocent people were systematically murdered by soldiers and militias of the then government.
Ambassador Musoni also expressed concern over what he described as continued external threats to Rwanda’s security posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) whose ranks include individuals linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
“Rwanda has consistently stated its commitment to protecting its citizens and preserving the peace and stability achieved since liberation while calling for greater international efforts to address insecurity in eastern DRC,” Ambassador Musoni added.
Since ending the genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has recorded significant economic progress, emerging as one of Africa’s leading destinations for investment and entrepreneurship.
Liberation Day is distinct from Rwanda’s Independence Day, which is celebrated annually on July 1 to commemorate the country’s attainment of independence from Belgium in 1962.
