{{The Embassy/Permanent Mission of Rwanda in Geneva, hosted the 50th Anniversary of the Independence Day jointly with the 18th Anniversary Liberation Day.}}

Representatives of the Switzerland government, Geneva based Ambassadors and diplomats, Rwandans living in Switzerland and friends of Rwanda, accounting for over 300 guests, were in attendance for the event.

The evening began with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the speech of the Rwandan Ambassador Mrs. Soline Nyirahabimana.

She stated, “We will not use this time for real celebration but for reflection, reflection on how we have used the Independence as well as looking forward to securing a better and prosperous future.”

She acknowledged that the decades following Independence were unfortunately misused, resulting in discrimination and the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

Despite the devastation created by the genocide, Rwandans chose a path of unity and reconciliation. Rwanda can now celebrate 18 years of peace, stability and prosperity.

The Ambassador highlighted achievements of Rwanda in sectors of Health, Education, Gender equality and its contributor to the African Union and United Nations Peacekeeping operations.

She concluded her speech by saying, “The past 50 years have been a journey of resilience. We decided to learn from our history and shape a bright future. On this occasion we thank our partners who have walked with us through our journey and for our cooperation in mutual respect.”

The evening’s celebrations included performance by Urunana and Ineza troops, as well as song performance by Rwandan artist Darius Kabalisa.