On 4th July 2022, Rwandan Community in China virtually joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 28th Anniversary of the liberation. The event was presided over by Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo. 

In his address, Ambassador Kimonyo took Rwandans in China majority of the students through the journey of national building that originated from the secret of liberation. He underscored the leadership of Rwanda efforts through different mechanisms that led to Rwanda's development including homegrown solutions, unity and reconciliation, democracy, people centered leadership, diplomacy, and ICT among others.

“You should always stand firm and resist any intentions that may attempt to undermine the achievements registered by the current leadership led by our President, His Excellency Paul Kagame,” the Ambassador said, adding that the youth are the foundation of the country’s development, urging them to work hard and make Rwanda the best it can be for each one of us. 

During the event, Colonel John Karangwa, Rwanda’s Defence Attaché to China, explained to the audience the history and long journey to liberate Rwanda from divisive and discriminatory regimes since 1959, which culminated into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

He stressed on the heroism of the RPA Inkotanyi, who sacrificed their lives with a great ambition to liberate the country.

You are lucky to have a country, unlike some of us, he said, who were refuges and had to change their names to be allowed to work or join any institution of learning. 

Karangwa told the audience, majority of the youth to emulate the spirit of patriotism and endurance in all activities aimed to build the country, explaining that despite the early loss of the liberation leaders, the spirit of patriotism and endurance kept the struggle on course.

He urged the youth to play their part in the development of their country. “The government has invested a lot in the youth to empower them to become players in the development of their country and it is time for them to use the opportunity” Col Karangwa noted.

During the occasion, Rwandan Community members in China who spoke committed to learn from their parents, brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country.  “Such knowledge of the liberation struggle we have just told will enable us to emulate and uphold the values of resilience, sacrifice and patriotism”.

The community further committed to continue participating in the transformation of Rwanda, assuring that as students in the foreign country they have to come up with different and innovative projects that can help in the development of the country. 

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