Rwanda marks 21 years of liberation

Rwanda on Saturday marked the 21st anniversary of the liberation struggle when the current government took over power after defeating the genocidal regime.

July 4, 1994 is the day when Kigali fell into the hands of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) now Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) led by the Rwanda President Paul Kagame.

The day is very important to Rwandans because it marks the end of 100 days of the 1994 genocide, which left a million people dead.

The main celebrations took place in Gicumbi District, Northern Rwanda, the birthplace of the 1990-94 liberation struggle and – one of the most historically significant region in the liberation of Rwanda.

This year, activities to mark the liberation started two weeks ago whereby various projects were inaugurated by the RDF in collaboration with various public institutions.

The projects include a health post, schools, and construction of a modern market, supply of electricity and water to several rural schools and health centers and the rehabilitation of roads among others.

Speaking at the celebrations in Gicumbi, President Kagame said that today's struggle for liberation is about sending children to school, self sustenance and building the nation.

"The first meaning of liberation is to liberate ourselves from being disrespected and looked down upon. Those who want to remind us of the meaning of liberation are the ones we fought against as they supported genocide perpetrators," he noted.

"We are grateful, as we have always been, for sacrifices made by people of Gicumbi and people across the border in the neighboring country Uganda. These people helped us a lot, they welcomed us during the liberation struggle, gave us a home and protected us," he told thousands of Gicumbi residents who turned up to witness the event.

Kagame expressed heartfelt gratitude for the contribution of the people of Uganda in the struggle for liberation.

The liberation struggle was started in Uganda by Rwandans who were living in refugee camps after Habyarimana government had denied them a chance to return home. Many Ugandans also participated in the battle to liberate Rwanda 21 years ago.

"We do not need to be shown the meaning of dignity, we know it because we fought and died for it. No matter where you are from, we are all human beings, we are all equal and we should treat each other with respect. The journey we have travelled and the vision we have for our future is what defines our struggle for liberation, " Rwanda president emphasized amidst loud applause from the audience.

"As we celebrate our Liberation Day, let us remember that transforming our country will be done by each of us, no one else," said the president.