{"id":54777,"date":"2025-07-06T10:35:34","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T10:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/kwibohora31-amb-kimonyo-urges-rwandan-youth-to-carry-the-torch-of-liberation\/"},"modified":"2025-07-06T10:36:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-06T10:36:02","slug":"kwibohora31-amb-kimonyo-urges-rwandan-youth-to-carry-the-torch-of-liberation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/kwibohora31-amb-kimonyo-urges-rwandan-youth-to-carry-the-torch-of-liberation\/","title":{"rendered":"Kwibohora31: Amb. Kimonyo urges Rwandan youth to carry the torch of liberation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Addressing a vibrant audience, Rwanda\u2019s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, delivered a stirring message that especially resonated with young Rwandans, urging them to \u201ccarry the torch of Kwibohora\u201d and lead the next chapter of Rwanda\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo the youth of Rwanda, the leaders of tomorrow, I say this: your generation carries the torch of Kwibohora. You carry a huge responsibility to take Rwanda even further,\u201d he said. \u201cThe future is in your hands \u2014 and it is bright.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Liberation Day, commonly known as Kwibohora, commemorates July 4, 1994 \u2014 the day the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA-Inkotanyi) ended the Genocide against the Tutsi and ushered in a new era of unity and hope.<\/p>\n<p>It marked the end of a brutal regime defined by ethnic division, exile, conflict, and mass killings. The liberation struggle, which began on October 1, 1990, culminated in the military defeat of genocidal forces under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, heralding a new dawn for Rwanda.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cKwibohora is more than just a day to celebrate our freedom,\u201d said Amb. Kimonyo. \u201cIt is a day to recognize how far we have come as a nation and to reflect on the progress we have made together \u2014 as we look to the future.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Ambassador highlighted Rwanda\u2019s extraordinary post-genocide transformation \u2014 from a deeply broken society to one of Africa\u2019s most admired nations.<\/p>\n<p>With an average economic growth rate of 8%, major investments in technology, infrastructure, and industry, and leading global rankings in governance and safety, Rwanda is steadily building toward its Vision 2050 goal of becoming a high-income country.<\/p>\n<p>But beyond the statistics, Amb. Kimonyo emphasized values: unity, resilience, and responsibility. He urged young Rwandans not to take the legacy of liberation for granted, but to embody its spirit in their actions and ambitions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe liberation we celebrate today is not an end in itself,\u201d he said. \u201cIt calls for sustained hard work, discipline, and commitment to our founding ideals.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The ceremony also featured remarks by Ambassador Lei Kezhong, representing the Government of the People\u2019s Republic of China. He praised Rwanda\u2019s leadership and progress, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRwanda has successfully taken control of its own destiny and is making solid progress toward realizing its Vision 2050,\u201d said Amb. Lei. \u201cChina is ready to continue supporting Rwanda through high-level cooperation, infrastructure development, and enhanced market access.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>China remains one of Rwanda\u2019s most significant development partners, contributing to transformative projects such as Masaka Hospital, Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant, and technology-focused initiatives like satellite remote sensing.<\/p>\n<p>In his closing remarks, Amb. Kimonyo called on all Rwandans to safeguard the hard-won gains and reject the forces of division.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet us pledge to protect and uphold the progress we have made,\u201d he urged. \u201cThis is a journey that will ensure future generations live in a society where justice, equality, and peace are their birthright.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As Rwanda marks Kwibohora31, the focus shifts from military victory to a new kind of liberation \u2014 one that will be won through innovation, purpose, and the unwavering resolve of a united people, with the youth at its forefront.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90416 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/rwanda_s_ambassador_to_china_james_kimonyo_delivering_a_heartfelt_keynote_address_calling_on_rwandan_youth_to_carry_forward_the_spirit_of_kwibohora.jpg\" alt=\"Rwanda\u2019s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, delivering a heartfelt keynote address, calling on Rwandan youth to carry forward the spirit of Kwibohora.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90418 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/traditional_rwandan_dancers_from_the_diaspora_electrify_the_audience_with_vibrant_performances_full_of_cultural_flair.jpg\" alt=\"Traditional Rwandan dancers from the diaspora electrify the audience with vibrant performances full of cultural flair.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90417 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/rwandan_men_perform_intore_the_warrior_dance_with_precision_and_pride.jpg\" alt=\"Rwandan men perform Intore, the warrior dance, with precision and pride.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90415 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/guests_pose_with_the_ambassador_at_the_event_s_photo_wall.jpg\" alt=\"Guests pose with the Ambassador James Kimonyo.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90414 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/friends_and_compatriots_reconnect_with_laughter_and_warm_embraces_during_the_celebration.jpg\" alt=\"Friends and compatriots reconnect with laughter and warm embraces during the celebration.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90413 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/diplomats_from_across_africa_and_asia_joined_the_celebration_showcasing_international_solidarity_with_rwanda.jpg\" alt=\"Diplomats from across Africa and Asia joined the celebration, showcasing international solidarity with Rwanda.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90412 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/attendees_from_diverse_nationalities_united_in_celebration_of_rwanda_s_resilience_and_progress.jpg\" alt=\"Attendees from diverse nationalities, united in celebration of Rwanda\u2019s resilience and progress.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90411 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ambassador_lei_kezhong_representing_the_government_of_china_reaffirming_strong_sino-rwanda_relations_and_pledging_continued_cooperation.jpg\" alt=\"Ambassador Lei Kezhong, representing the Government of China, reaffirming strong Sino-Rwanda relations and pledging continued cooperation.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90410 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ambassador_kimonyo_poses_with_a_diverse_group_of_rwandans_and_friends_at_the_end_of_the_event.jpg\" alt=\"Ambassador Kimonyo poses with a diverse group of Rwandans and friends at the end of the event.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90409 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ambassador_kimonyo_leads_the_symbolic_cake_cutting_joined_by_honored_guests.jpg\" alt=\"Ambassador Kimonyo leads the symbolic cake cutting, joined by honored guests.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90408 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ambassador_kimonyo_congratulates_rwandan_students_who_recently_graduated_from_chinese_universities_encouraging_them_to_become_agents_of_transformation.jpg\" alt=\"Ambassador Kimonyo congratulates Rwandan students who recently graduated from Chinese universities, encouraging them to become agents of transformation.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90407 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/a_beautifully_decorated_cake_reading_kwibohora31_takes_center_stage_before_the_cut.jpg\" alt=\"A beautifully decorated cake reading &#039;Kwibohora31&#039; displayed before the ceremonial cut.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90406 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/055a3753.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90405 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/055a3489.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-90404 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/wjpz2490.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rwanda\u2019s 31st Liberation Day was marked with pride and reflection at an event held in Beijing, where Rwandans and friends of Rwanda gathered to celebrate how far the nation has come, and to reflect on what lies ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000090419,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[75],"byline":[2252],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-54777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-homenews","byline-christian-mugisha"],"bylines":[{"id":2252,"name":"Christian Mugisha","slug":"christian-mugisha","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"contributors":[{"id":2252,"name":"Christian Mugisha","slug":"christian-mugisha","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"featured_image":{"id":2000090419,"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ambassador_kimonyo_logo.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":0,"height":0,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ambassador_kimonyo_logo.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ambassador_kimonyo_logo.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ambassador_kimonyo_logo.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ambassador_kimonyo_logo.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ambassador_kimonyo_logo.jpg","width":0,"height":0}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/131"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54777"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54777\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000090419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54777"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=54777"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=54777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}