Rwandan embassy in Cairo marks 31st Liberation Day - Foreign Affairs

Al-Ahram Weekly

8 hours ago

The Rwandan Embassy in Egypt—also accredited to Algeria, Libya, and Oman—hosted a reception in Cairo on 11 July to commemorate the 31st anniversary of Rwanda's Liberation Day, Kwibohora.
The event drew Egyptian government officials, diplomats, business figures, academics, media representatives, and friends of Rwanda for an evening of reflection and celebration.
Liberation Day marks 4 July 1994, when the Rwandan Patriotic Army, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, brought an end to the Genocide against the Tutsi and began rebuilding a nation torn apart by violence. The anniversary is both a remembrance and a reaffirmation of Rwanda's post-genocide recovery.
In his address, Rwanda's Ambassador to Egypt, Dan Munyuza, underscored the deeper meaning of Liberation Day, framing it as the beginning of a long-term vision rather than simply a military triumph.
'Liberation was not merely the end of a war,' said Munyuza.
He described it as the beginning of a new vision—a commitment to never return to tribal divisions, hatred, and despair. It was a promise to create a nation where all Rwandans, regardless of background, could live in dignity, peace, and mutual respect.
He thanked Egypt for what he described as its ongoing support for Rwanda's development efforts.
Reflecting on the country's trajectory since 1994, Munyuza pointed to institutional rebuilding, investments in health and education, gender equality, and an expanding innovation-led economy. Rwanda, he said, has averaged 7–8 percent economic growth over three decades and consistently ranks among Africa's most business-friendly nations.
He also touched on regional instability, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), welcoming a recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC signed in Washington, D.C. He reiterated Rwanda's commitment to peace in the Great Lakes region.
'Let this 31st Liberation Day commemoration be a reminder that even from the greatest pain, renewal is possible,' he said. 'That with visionary and hardworking leadership, unity and purpose, a nation can rise from tragedy to prosperity.'
The reception featured Rwandan cultural performances and showcased the country's tourism and investment offerings. Guests were invited to explore Rwanda's natural attractions, from mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to Big Five safaris in Akagera.
The evening concluded with remarks from Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, who praised Rwanda's post-genocide recovery. 'Rwanda's extraordinary progress over the past thirty years is a true reflection of visionary leadership, national healing, and a steadfast commitment to inclusive growth and development,' Sewilam stated.
He pointed to expanding cooperation between the two countries, including an upcoming memorandum of understanding on water management in Rwanda. The initiative will focus on catchment protection, groundwater development, rainwater harvesting, and training, aiming to improve water access and climate resilience.
Sewilam also highlighted Rwanda's participation in regional water diplomacy through the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), commending its role in fostering dialogue and consensus. 'We strongly rely on Rwanda's constructive role... to enhance cooperation between [Nile Basin] states and maintain the sustainability of the Nile River—this vital common water resource,' he said.
He added that Egypt has committed $100 million through a Regional Pooled Financing Mechanism to support water projects in the Nile Basin.
Both countries reiterated the importance of regional cooperation in tackling shared challenges and advancing Africa's development agenda.
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