The Liberation celebration was attended by the Permanent Representative of Rwanda at the UN, Ambassador Valentine Rugwabiza, the former Ambassador of the U.S. to Rwanda, Ambassador Erica Ruggles , and Dr. Donald Kaberuka, among others.
Speaking during the event, the Department of State representative and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Matthew Harrington commended Rwanda on its remarkable transformation over the last 24 years. He also reiterated the support that the U.S. will continue to provide to Rwanda in its development agenda.
“Remembering, educating, and preserving the memory of the genocide is key to Rwanda’s development, and ensuring that the genocide will never happen again. Hard work, drive and dedication can help a country bounce back, as Rwanda has demonstrated,” said Mr. Harrington.
In her brief remarks, Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana expressed her gratitude for those who attended the celebrations of the 24th Liberation anniversary. She further highlighted that the struggle to liberate Rwanda continues, albeit not as an armed struggle, but one against social stagnation.
“Complete Liberation is to be able to defend our dignity as Rwandans, as Africans. The potential strength we have together is greater than the sum of our riches divided. We are not doing it alone,” said Ambassador Mukantabana,
She echoed the words of President Paul Kagame “The liberation struggle on the battlefield succeeded because those who were fighting worked with citizens. It is this spirit of unity that we want to maintain as we transform this country.”
Ambassador Mukantabana called upon Rwandans in the Diaspora to also shoulder this responsibility and to do what they can in the transformation journey of Rwanda.
Among other attendees were members of the Diplomatic Corp, members of the Rwanda Permanent Mission at the UN, friends of Rwanda, and members of the Rwandan community in the DMV area (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).
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