Together we prosper.
Mrs. Viviane Uwicyeza Mironko spouse of. the Ambassador of Rwanda, Ms. Odette Melono, Deputy Director General at the OPCW and H.E. Mr. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague 19th July 2019, the Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague organized the Kwibohora 25 reception feting Rwanda’s liberation.
Featuring on the program was a ballet presentation by a Rwandan cultural group flew in from abroad that performed traditional dances. The audience was elated. Further on the program was a diner-buffet.
The Ambassador of Rwanda, H.E. Mr. Jean-Pierre Karabaranga and spouse welcome the many guests made up of the diplomatic community, Dutch government officials, representatives of international organizations, the Rwandan diaspora as well as friends of Rwanda and others.
The program started with a rendition of the national anthem of Rwanda, followed by that of the Netherlands.
The welcome and the keynote address was by H.E. Ambassador Jean-Pierre Karabaranga. Some excerpts of Ambassador Karabaranga ‘ statements:
“The Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague initiated this jubilation to celebrate 25 years freedom, peace, security and unity that have been the backbone of Rwanda’s political and social-economic transformation. Rwanda has made tremendous strides in all aspects and Rwanda has been repeatedly ranked the safest, peaceful, cleanest and one of the most economically progressive country not just in Africa but also in the world.”
Speaking at the event, H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga said that ..”on Liberation Day every genocide survivor remembers that it is the day he/she regained hope, the hope of a new safe life and hope for a better future.”
“Our liberation was not given to us as a gift by anybody,”, the Ambassador added, “Our liberation was the result of the enormous and heavy sacrifices of many Rwandans, ordinary men and women, who gave everything they had, including paying the ultimate price – their lives for many – during the liberation struggle. On this occasion, we take time to pay homage to them. We owe them our freedom. On such day we pause and tell them that their sacrifice was not in vain, their blood was not shed in vain. As H.E. President of Rwanda said and I quote: “Rwanda has changed for good and forever!”.
Ambassador Karabaranga also said that “Liberation Day reminds us that Rwanda’s liberation is a process, a long journey. Rwanda first went through an armed struggle, followed then by a successful resilient journey to stabilize and to rebuild the country and to build the unity of Rwanda’s people. Today, Rwanda is consolidating and building on these achievements.”
“In such journey, Rwanda counts on its citizens of course, but also on its friends and partners, like you who are with us today and even those who are not here with us”, the Ambassador stated.
“Excellent working relationships and partnership existing between Rwanda and its friends, since the very hard times back in 1994, allowed Rwanda to became what is today: a country which is stable and progressing! I, therefore, take this opportunity to thank the Kingdom of the Netherlands for being among the very first partners of Rwanda in 1994 and for its dedicated and exceptional cooperation with Rwanda in various ways for the last 25 years. On this day we commit to strengthen our friendship and excellent cooperation in many fields”, said the Ambassador.
25th anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation concluded with a second performance by the Rwandan cultural group. Indeed a wonderful festive evening.
