{{The Rwandan Community in Darfur, Sudan on Thursday 4 July, 2013, celebrated its 51st Independence and 19th Liberation Day under the theme: “Celebrating Africa’s renaissance working towards self reliance.” }}
The ceremony which attracted guests from the three components (Military, Police and Civilians) of the African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), the Darfurian communities and other well-wisherswere hosted at the Rwandan Battalion (RWANBATT 37) in Super Camp, El Fasher.
The celebrations were marked with a colourful military parade mounted by detachment of RWANBATT 37 under the command of Major NgendahimanaTheoneste.
Gracing the occasion as guest of honour was the Sector North Head of Office Ambassador Hassan Djibril who represented the UNAMID Joint Special Representative (JSR) HE. Mohammed IbinChambas,inspected the parade on arrival.
Welcoming all and sundry to the ceremony, the RWANBATT Contingent Commander Colonel Ludovik Mugisha stated that he was proud of the performance of RWANBATT and the entire Rwandan family in Darfur.
He reminisced on the events leading to Independence of Rwanda and then used the occasion to pay glowing tribute to those who lost their lives during the liberation struggle.
He acknowledged that Rwanda is a unified country and that the liberation process taught Rwandans the importance of adopting step by step approach to solving and addressing issues of national development.
He noted that despite the achievements attained since the liberation, the country still faces challenges and assured that ‘they can triumph against the difficulties’.
Colonel Mugisha pledged the country’s continued commitment to be part of global efforts to bring peace to the world. Noting, that their presence in Darfur is a demonstration of Rwanda’s commitment to assist others.
Speaking as representative of Rwandan community in Darfur, the UNAMID Police Chief of Staff Mr. Cyprian Gatete extended a special welcome to the audience and said that the “liberation was about rescuing Rwandans from a pre-and post–independence, bad leadership that fostered and promoted hatred, sectarianism and genocidal ideologies – culminating in the decision to exterminate its own citizens.”
He further stated that pre-liberation era created a legacy of bad politics, poor governance, disastrous social development philosophies and practices, and economic system that entrenched a vicious cycle of poverty and dependence.
Mr. Gatete paid tribute to the President of Rwanda His Excellency Paul Kagame for his visionary guidance and leadership. He dilated on the achievements made so far in the country which he attributed to hard work and home grown solutions like; tradition court(Gacaca), Ubudehe, 12 years Basic Education, Medical insurance (RAMA), One Cow per Family and to mention but a few.
He called on all to still confront the immense developmental adversities that remain ahead of the country. Adding, that all must stay the course of self determination despite the challenges.
On global peace, Mr. Cyprian Gatete said that “Rwanda is committed to contributing to regional and global peace and stability.” “We are aware that we can travel safely, faster and farther in the company of others.
And so while our determination to build an independent country should not be compromised, we also recognize that we can guarantee our independence better with cooperation based on mutual respect and benefit” he stated.
He urged Rwandans to continue to show patriotism to the country which he said has brought all and sundry where we are today.
The Guest of Honour Ambassador Hassan Djibril whilst addressing the gathering, lavished tremendous praises for the Rwandan people and government for the great strides made toward uplifting their country from dictatorial regimes which led to oppression, inequality, refugees and the climax of the 1994 genocide.
It was on July 1994 when Rwanda was liberated by its own people, and this indeed the reason behind the country’s celebration the 19th Liberation Anniversary.
As Today’s theme state ;; Celebrating Africa’s Renaissance, he said “there can never be independence without self-reliance” and that he was ‘proud that Rwanda is on the right track in developmental programmes, implementation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and a committed contributor to regional development and UN peacekeeping operations where both military and Police officers continue to share their expertise, experience and actively participate in the restoration of peace in war-torn countries and regions of our globe in the service of humanity .
He noted that Rwanda’s active participation in peacekeeping missions began in 2004 in Darfur with the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and that Rwanda is today the 6th major troop and police contributing country at the UN and the largest troop and police contributing country in UNAMID, with presence in eight other UN missions.
He congratulated Rwandans on the observance of their Independence and Liberation Day and wished them success in their peacekeeping assignments.
The day was observed amid pomp and pageantry, spiced with wonderful display of martial arts drills and cultural performance
{Contingent Commander COL. Ludovick Mugisha }
{Guest of honor (General Salute)}
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