The event was held virtually in order to comply with the health measures adopted in Ethiopia and Djibouti to curb the spread of Covid-19.

In her remarks, Hope Tumukunde Gasatura, Rwanda’ Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) commended the RPA forces led by President Paul Kagame for stopping the Genocide on July 4, 1994.

She urged the Rwandan communities in both countries to continue upholding the values of the liberation wherever they are and in whatever they do, and to continue connecting with home and contribute to Rwanda’s socio-economic liberation.

On her part, Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, reminded that Rwanda’s liberation struggle was meant to defeat the oppressive regime and forging unity of all Rwandans as the same people.”

Dr. Nsanzabaganwa observed that “over the last 27 years, Rwanda embarked on a radical path of creating a new socio-political reality.”

She added that, at the continental level, Rwanda is a country that can share good experience in handling issues related to post-conflict reconstruction and development, conflict resolution, unity and reconciliation as well as combating all forms of discrimination and exclusion.

A number of Rwandans living in the two Horn of Africa States shared their reflections on the liberation struggle and what the liberation means to them.

They include Mr. François Kabare spoke on the political landscape in Rwanda 1995-1990;  Dr. Butera Jean Bosco on the objectives for the liberation struggle; Lt. Col. Sylvestre Sekaramba on the testimony on the liberation struggle; Mrs. Berthilde Gahongayire on Kwibohora – Rwandans’ rights;  Mr. Nshimiyumuremyi Theobard on Kwibohora and the resilience Rwandans and fostering unity and reconciliation;  Mr. Bayingana Moses on the role of the Rwandans living abroad in Kwibohora in the socio-economic liberation journey; Ms. Mukabagorora Diane Kwibohora and women development;  Mr. Muhigirwa Mackean on the impact of Kwibohora on youth;  Ms. Mahoro Alice on Kwibohora in education especially for girls, while Ms. Furaha Maroua Bouchra spoke on Liberation vis a vis rights of Rwandan refugees.

All the messages reiterated gratitude to the RPA soldiers who sacrificed all to put an end to 1994 Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi and urged all Rwandans to preserve the achievements registered so far, and endeavor to continue the transformational journey for “a Rwanda we all want”.

The virtual event also featured the National Anthem, traditional and patriotic songs, the official Kwibohora27 message from H.E Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda.