Rwanda
Rwandans celebrate Liberation Day

afrol.com, 4 July - Rwandans across the country are today celebrating the 6th anniversary of their liberation from genocide and dictatorship. On July 4th, 1994, the Rwandese Patriotic Army (RPA) successfully defeated the genocidal former Rwandan Army (ex-FAR) and their Interahamwe allies, and liberated Kigali. 

The main national celebrations took place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. The colourful ceremony was officiated over by President Paul Kagame. The capacity crowd at the ceremonies included the First Lady Madame Kagame and delegations from Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Special guests included Baroness Lynda Chalker, a member of the UK's Upper House of Lords. 

Also present were the President of the Transitional National Assembly Dr. Vincent Biruta, the President of the Supreme Court Simeon Rwagasore, Ministers, senior RPA officers and members of the Diplomatic Corps. 

The ceremony was characterised by a military parade and march past, music, dancing and recitals. 

In his address to the Nation, President Kagame called on the people of Rwanda to reflect on the past tragedies of Rwanda, and the successes that have been made since 1994 to rebuild and develop the country. He recalled that the 1994 genocide had scarred the nation and created many widows, orphans and others who had lost their loved ones. 

President Kagame said that since the establishment of the National Unity Government, many Rwandans had been repatriated to their motherland, and were living peacefully together with other Rwandans. He added that there had been tremendous social, political and economic recovery across the country. He urged Rwandans to develop a new spirit of hard work and dedication in whatever field of work they were involved, because it was the only way Rwanda would emerge from poverty. 

President Kagame also thanked all Rwandans for their physical, moral and material support and contributions in liberating the country. 

Similar ceremonies to mark Liberation Day are taking place throughout the country. 

In Kigali, the celebrations continue with an Official State Reception and a football match between Rwanda and Uganda this evening.

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