OTTAWA: KWIBOHORA30 – Liberation Day, Rwanda

Ottawa, Canada – The Embassy of Rwanda in Canada held a solemn ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of National Liberation Day, a symbolic occasion aimed at celebrating three decades of remarkable progress since the end of the 1994 genocide.

The event, punctuated by musical performances and warm applause, brought together a wide range of participants, including members of the Canadian government, representatives of the diplomatic corps, defense attachés, as well as members of the Rwandan community living in Canada.

In his speech, the embassy representative emphasized the central goal of this commemoration: "We wanted to share the achievements of Rwanda over the past 30 years, what Rwanda has been able to accomplish after the genocide." He stressed the importance of the gathering not only to celebrate these accomplishments but also to strengthen the bonds of solidarity between Rwanda and its international partners, particularly Canada.

This year's theme, "Liberation Continues," was highlighted as a reminder that, although the country has made significant strides – economically, socially, in infrastructure, unity, and reconciliation – there is still a long road ahead. "We have made very important steps forward in all areas [...], but we still have a long way to go. The message was addressed to Rwandans, but also to our friends, so that we can continue working together."

The embassy also took the opportunity to mobilize the Rwandan diaspora around the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for July 14, 2025. A strong call was made for massive participation: "We have 12 voting centers here in Canada, spread across almost all provinces." Registered voters were encouraged to come out and vote in large numbers.

The ceremony concluded in a festive atmosphere, marked by national pride and a shared determination to build an even more promising future for Rwanda. It was a celebration not only of past liberation but also of the continued commitment to peace, democracy, and sustainable development.