Rwanda observes 22 years of liberation

Rwanda on Monday marked its 22nd anniversary of liberation.

July 4, 1994 is very important to Rwandans because it marks the end of 100 days of the 1994 genocide, which left more than a million people dead.

The main celebrations to mark the day was held in Rweru sector, Bugesera district, Eastern province where a model village, which includes a school, a health post and homes, were constructed to house more than 400 poverty stricken residents in the area.

Speaking at the celebrations in Bugesera, President Kagame said that today's struggle for liberation is about fighting poverty, self-dignity, mindset change and building the nation.

"The next stage of our liberation is to liberate ourselves from any obstacles that stand in the way of our development," he emphasized.

"As Rwandans, as Africans, we must be the ones to own and shape our future by continuing to liberate ourselves from what is holding us from achieving economic prosperity for our people."

Kagame expressed heartfelt gratitude for the contribution of the people of several countries in the region in Rwabda's struggle for liberation.

This year, activities to mark the liberation started two weeks ago whereby various projects were inaugurated by the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) in collaboration with public institutions.

The projects included supply of electricity and water to rural schools and health centres, and construction of schools and homes to disadvantaged people as well as rehabilitation of roads, among others. Endit