On Friday, July 4, Rwandans and friends of Rwanda celebrated the 31st anniversary of Liberation (Kwibohora31), honoring the achievements made since 1994, when the Genocide against the Tutsi was stopped by the RPF/RPA forces.
The liberation struggle began on October 1, 1990, as the RPF/RPA sought to end bad governance, discrimination, and exclusion that had forced many Rwandans into exile.
In a media briefing, Rwandan army spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga stated:
“True liberation came after halting the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and eliminating historical, group-based discrimination.”
He added:
“Liberation was marked by ending the genocide and defeating the genocidal army in 1994. But as the President said in 1993, our army would be the foundation for transforming our country, meaning we must go beyond just escaping bad leadership—we must fight another enemy: poverty and suffering.”
This year’s Liberation Day was celebrated at the local government level, as national-level celebrations are held every five years. Last year’s major event marked Kwibohora30.
On Liberation Day, Rwandans reflect on the rebuilding journey since the 1994 Genocide that killed over a million people and on the continued national efforts to improve citizens’ welfare.
This national day also honors the sacrifice of men and women who fought to end over three decades of exclusion and ethnic division under the first and second republics, culminating in the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
For decades, Rwandan refugees had tried to return home after fleeing the 1959 violence that followed the so-called revolution that overthrew the monarchy.
The RPF/RPA struggle, led by President Paul Kagame, ushered in a new era of national unity and laid the foundation for Rwanda’s inclusive political transformation.
On Thursday, July 3, the Ministry of Defense and RDF concluded this year’s citizen outreach campaign, which included economic and social support such as housing for vulnerable families, water and electricity infrastructure, and free healthcare services across the country.
