On July 4^th, 2020, Rwandan Community in China through virtual technology joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 26th Anniversary of the liberation.

Speaking at the event, which brought together 300 Rwandans in China, Ambassador James Kimonyo, urged Rwandans in China majority of the youth to uphold the values of patriotism and selflessness of the men and women of Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA).

“Today, we pay tribute to the men and women of the Rwanda Patriotic Army who under the leadership of H.E. President Paul Kagame, the then RPA commander sacrificed their life to liberate the country,” Kimonyo said.  

The Ambassador recalled the United Nations failure to save Tutsi in the Genocide, but reminded that after stopping the genocide, the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), are among the top peacekeepers in the world.

The envoy took the opportunity to thank countries that have helped Rwanda in its development journey including People’s Republic of China and others.

During the event, Colonel John Karangwa, Rwanda’s Military Attaché in China talked about the journey to Rwanda’s liberation and the role of the Youth. He underscored that most of RPA members who started the liberation war were as young as most of the Rwandan Community in China.

“When we started the liberation struggle, we were in 30s and 20s but this did not stop us from fighting over the regime that had a highly trained and equipped army. Today, youth have all it takes to maintain what has been achieved in terms of development and add more. However, this can only be possible when you are patriotic, which I believe most of you are.” Col John Karangwa said.

He added that the most important factor is to have a country and visionary leader like His Excellency President Paul Kagame, and learn more from him to maintain the spirit of working hard and for the future of Rwanda.

Noting an example of having a country, Col John said that, some of them have grown as refugees, and had to change their names to be able to get admitted in any institution of learning.

During the occasion, Rwandan Community in China who spoke committed to play their role in their country development. Ngabo Richard, a student of business administration at Beijing Normal University said “ Our history has taught us more, and liberation continues, it is our time as youth to challenge ourselves and contribute to our country’s development from what we learn and see in developed countries like China”.

END.