Rwandan peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) joined members of the Rwandan community in the country to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation.
The celebration brought together personnel from RWANBATT-3, RWANBATT-1, the Rwanda Formed Police Unit (FPU) deployed under the United Nations, senior officials from the Government of South Sudan, and members of the Rwandan community.
The event reflected the unity and solidarity that continue to define Rwandans serving abroad, the diaspora in South Sudan, and their friends.
Speaking at the ceremony, Col. Charles Rutayisire, Deputy Chief of Mission Support at UNMISS, said Rwanda’s Liberation was not only a military victory but also the foundation of the country’s remarkable transformation.
He noted that over the past 32 years, Rwanda has made significant progress in national unity and reconciliation, good governance, peacebuilding, healthcare, education, infrastructure development, technology, environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, and economic growth.
Col. Rutayisire urged participants to continue safeguarding the peace and security Rwanda has achieved, emphasizing that the spirit of Liberation should be reflected in efforts to improve livelihoods, drive economic development, strengthen patriotism, and encourage every Rwandan to contribute to nation-building.
On behalf of the Rwandan community in South Sudan, William Ngabonziza, President of the Rwandan Community Association, paid tribute to the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) for the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that led to Rwanda’s Liberation.
He called on Rwandans living abroad to continue promoting unity, preserving Rwanda’s values, contributing to the country’s development, and serving as proud ambassadors of Rwanda wherever they reside.
The ceremony reaffirmed the strong bond between Rwanda’s peacekeepers, the Rwandan community in South Sudan, and South Sudanese government officials, underscoring their shared commitment to promoting unity, peace, cooperation, and Rwanda’s continued development.
