On the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Rwanda, a ceremony was held at the newly inaugurated 45,000-seat Amahoro Stadium. President Paul Kagame presided over the event, which was attended by thousands of Rwandans and invited guests.
The ceremony featured a colorful military parade by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police, as well as patriotic songs and traditional dances.
During the event, President Paul Kagame delivered a speech, emphasizing the significance of the day in honoring those who sacrificed for the country’s liberation. He highlighted the efforts of the Rwandan security forces to treat all Rwandans with humanity and maintain close connections to the community through various projects.
President Kagame emphasized that Rwandan Security Forces prioritize peace and cooperation over provoking conflict. He stated, “Rwanda’s security forces have always been defensive, not offensive; we only act when trouble is brought to us. We prioritize cooperation and working together. Rwanda seeks peace for ourselves and everyone; we know the value of peace just as well as everyone else and maybe even more.”
Over the past 30 years since the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) stopped the 1994 Genocide Against Tutsi, the RDF has made significant contributions to socio-economic transformation through various initiatives. These include constructing/rehabilitating roads, building houses for vulnerable citizens and Genocide survivors, and establishing IDP model villages, schools, health facilities, markets, and bridges, among others. They also provided free medical services to thousands of Rwandans, access to clean water and electricity, and engaged in agricultural and environmental protection activities, among others.
Informed by the tragic history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and motivated by a strong national belief in the principle of protecting civilians wherever called upon, the RDF has also participate in peacekeeping missions under different United Nations mandates.
