The event brought members of the Rwandan community together for fellowship and reflection on patriotism and the values that underpin Rwandan society.

It also featured sports and recreational activities, including a football tournament, basketball competitions and the traditional Rwandan game of Agati.

Teams that performed well in the various competitions received awards at the end of the activities.

Patriotism Day is officially commemorated every year on October 1.

Addressing the participants, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, called on young Rwandans to uphold national values and play an active role in shaping the country’s future.

He explained that the October 1 commemoration provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by those who placed the interests of the country above their personal interests.

The Ambassador highlighted October 1, 1990, when the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), through its armed wing, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), launched its struggle for the liberation of Rwanda.

He recalled that many young people at the time chose to leave behind their personal activities and comfort to join a struggle in which they knew they faced serious risks, including the possibility of losing their lives.

He urged young people today to draw lessons from the commitment and sacrifice demonstrated by members of the RPA and, more broadly, the RPF, from the beginning of the struggle in 1990 through the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

Youth urged to safeguard Rwanda’s achievements

Ambassador Kayonga also highlighted some of the challenges that young people may face.

He particularly warned against the continued spread of genocide ideology and attempts to mislead young people through technology and social media.

He also identified drug use and excessive alcohol consumption as behaviours that can undermine young people’s future and weaken their ability to fulfill their responsibilities to their country.

Against these challenges, he called on young Rwandans living in Türkiye to remain committed to national values and to play their part in protecting the achievements Rwanda has made.

He encouraged them to build on these achievements and contribute to taking Rwanda towards an even better future.

A responsibility shared by all Rwandans

The Ambassador stressed that patriotism should not be viewed as the responsibility of a particular group or category of citizens.

Rather, it is a shared responsibility that concerns every Rwandan, wherever they may be.

He therefore encouraged young people to understand, preserve and put Rwanda’s core values into practice in their daily lives, while also passing them on to future generations.

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