Rwandans in the UK and friends of Rwanda met in London on Saturday 13th July to celebrate Rwanda’s 25th Liberation Day. They came from all corners of the country to commemorate this special landmark in the history of our country.
The ceremony started with signing the national anthem followed by the projection of short film titled “Rwanda: an African Metamorphosis” which encapsulate by “ENCAPSULATES” the incredible transform journey has undergone from an almost a failed state in 1994 to one of Africa’s fastest growing economies.
Rwandan community in UK celebrated their motherland’s 25th liberation. Photo courtesy
In her speech for the occasion, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the UK, HE Yamina Karitanyi, told the people assembled there that she had hoped that our commemoration would be graced by the presence of a guest of honour in the name of Hon Minister Dr Richard Sebizera, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister who had been in London for official duties but had to return to the country due to urgent duties back home.
Ambassador Karitanyi reminded people present that “we celebrate this day as rightly called Liberation, a word of deep meaning for our people, for our country.”
“Liberation was not about restoring the past but creating something fundamentally new and better for all Rwandans,” she said quoting HE President Kagame’s remarks at on July 4th at Amahoro Stadium.
She invited people in the hall to challenge themselves individually and collectively to do what’s right to ensure the peace of Rwanda’s trajectory is accelerated, and that that the gains made are securely protected, something which could only be achieved through continued commitment of Rwandans genuinely interested in in building a prosperous Rwanda.
Rwanda High Commissioner addresses those assembled for the commemoration
In her remarks, she also encouraged the youth to build a character they can be proud of, “knowing that it will precede you everywhere you go,” she pointed out.
One of the key highlights of the commemoration was a very colourful entertainment characterised by singing and dancing old songs reminiscent of the years of the liberation struggle which was then commonly known as “Kitamaduni”, and various groups of traditional dancers from different communities of Rwandans in the UK.
What was remarkable for this event was the high attendance of a great number of young members of our diaspora who had come eager not only to celebrate but also to learn about the recent history of our country.
Jean Kayigamba London-UK
The Express News
