Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day Celebrated in Pakistan: Ambassador and Defence Attaché Highlight National Resilience and Bilateral Ties
Islamabad – The High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda on Friday evening hosted a dignified ceremony in Islamabad to mark the 31st Liberation Day, celebrating the nation’s remarkable transformation since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event also underscored Rwanda’s growing friendship with Pakistan, particularly in defence, diplomacy, and development cooperation.
In her keynote address, Ambassador Fauto Harerimana, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, paid heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices of the Rwandan people and the Rwanda Patriotic Army, whose courage and determination paved the way for the country’s liberation on July 4, 1994.
“We honour the brave men and women of the Rwanda Patriotic Army who fought to end the oppressive regime that led our country to genocide. Their sacrifice restored the dignity of Rwandans and secured our right to life,” she stated, addressing a distinguished gathering that included ambassadors, members of the armed forces, and friends of Rwanda.
Ambassador Harerimana Fauto reflected on Rwanda’s inspiring progress over the past three decades, highlighting its rise as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies—with GDP growth jumping from 7.8% in 2023 to 8.9% last year. She noted Rwanda’s international recognition as the cleanest and greenest country in Africa, as well as a global leader in women’s political representation, with women occupying 63.7% of seats in parliament.
Outlining Rwanda’s long-term Vision 2050, she emphasized the country’s commitment to becoming an upper-middle-income nation by 2035 and a high-income economy by 2050. Rwanda’s role as a hub for international conferences and events was also spotlighted, with recent and upcoming milestones including CHOGM 2022, Women Deliver 2023, the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 2019, the 2025 UCI World Cycling Championships, and even Formula 1 in 2026.
Defence Attaché Lt. Col. Shyaka played an active role in coordinating the event and strengthening defence diplomacy between Rwanda and Pakistan. His efforts have contributed to deepening military cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two nations, reflecting Rwanda’s strategic vision for regional and international partnerships.
Ambassador Harerimana highlighted the breadth of Rwanda-Pakistan relations, which now encompass defence, education, healthcare, trade, and technology. She expressed hope for expanded collaboration in agriculture, tourism, artificial intelligence, culture, sports, and gender empowerment.
“The documentary film presented today is not just a reflection of our history but a symbol of the enduring friendship between Rwanda and Pakistan,” she said.
The ceremony’s chief guest, former Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, praised Rwanda as a unique success story in Africa and the global South. Recalling his meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, he referred to him as the “strongman of Africa” and credited the country’s visionary leadership for its transformation.
The evening concluded with a vibrant Rwandan cultural performance that captivated the audience and left a lasting impression of the nation’s spirit of unity, resilience, and progress.
BY: The Times Union
