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Addressing a vibrant audience, Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, delivered a stirring message that especially resonated with young Rwandans, urging them to 'carry the torch of Kwibohora' and lead the next chapter of Rwanda’s transformation.

'To the youth of Rwanda, the leaders of tomorrow, I say this: your generation carries the torch of Kwibohora. You carry a huge responsibility to take Rwanda even further,' he said. 'The future is in your hands — and it is bright.'

Liberation Day, commonly known as Kwibohora, commemorates July 4, 1994 — the day the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA-Inkotanyi) ended the Genocide against the Tutsi and ushered in a new era of unity and hope.

It marked the end of a brutal regime defined by ethnic division, exile, conflict, and mass killings. The liberation struggle, which began on October 1, 1990, culminated in the military defeat of genocidal forces under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, heralding a new dawn for Rwanda.

'Kwibohora is more than just a day to celebrate our freedom,' said Amb. Kimonyo. 'It is a day to recognize how far we have come as a nation and to reflect on the progress we have made together — as we look to the future.'

The Ambassador highlighted Rwanda’s extraordinary post-genocide transformation — from a deeply broken society to one of Africa’s most admired nations.

With an average economic growth rate of 8%, major investments in technology, infrastructure, and industry, and leading global rankings in governance and safety, Rwanda is steadily building toward its Vision 2050 goal of becoming a high-income country.

But beyond the statistics, Amb. Kimonyo emphasized values: unity, resilience, and responsibility. He urged young Rwandans not to take the legacy of liberation for granted, but to embody its spirit in their actions and ambitions.

'The liberation we celebrate today is not an end in itself,' he said. 'It calls for sustained hard work, discipline, and commitment to our founding ideals.'

The ceremony also featured remarks by Ambassador Lei Kezhong, representing the Government of the People’s Republic of China. He praised Rwanda’s leadership and progress, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.

'Rwanda has successfully taken control of its own destiny and is making solid progress toward realizing its Vision 2050,' said Amb. Lei. 'China is ready to continue supporting Rwanda through high-level cooperation, infrastructure development, and enhanced market access.'

China remains one of Rwanda’s most significant development partners, contributing to transformative projects such as Masaka Hospital, Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant, and technology-focused initiatives like satellite remote sensing.

In his closing remarks, Amb. Kimonyo called on all Rwandans to safeguard the hard-won gains and reject the forces of division.

'Let us pledge to protect and uphold the progress we have made,' he urged. 'This is a journey that will ensure future generations live in a society where justice, equality, and peace are their birthright.'

As Rwanda marks Kwibohora31, the focus shifts from military victory to a new kind of liberation — one that will be won through innovation, purpose, and the unwavering resolve of a united people, with the youth at its forefront.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, delivering a heartfelt keynote address, calling on Rwandan youth to carry forward the spirit of Kwibohora.

Traditional Rwandan dancers from the diaspora electrify the audience with vibrant performances full of cultural flair.

Rwandan men perform Intore, the warrior dance, with precision and pride.

Guests pose with the Ambassador James Kimonyo.

Friends and compatriots reconnect with laughter and warm embraces during the celebration.

Diplomats from across Africa and Asia joined the celebration, showcasing international solidarity with Rwanda.

Attendees from diverse nationalities, united in celebration of Rwanda’s resilience and progress.

Ambassador Lei Kezhong, representing the Government of China, reaffirming strong Sino-Rwanda relations and pledging continued cooperation.

Ambassador Kimonyo poses with a diverse group of Rwandans and friends at the end of the event.

Ambassador Kimonyo leads the symbolic cake cutting, joined by honored guests.

Ambassador Kimonyo congratulates Rwandan students who recently graduated from Chinese universities, encouraging them to become agents of transformation.

A beautifully decorated cake reading ‘Kwibohora31’ displayed before the ceremonial cut.

Christian Mugisha

Speaking at the Rwanda Convention 2025 in Texas, USA, running from July 4 to 6, he highlighted the significance of the deal, which aims to address longstanding tensions in the Great Lakes region.

The convention, resuming after a six-year hiatus, brought together hundreds of Rwandans from the diaspora and guests from Rwanda to celebrate culture, unity, and national development.

The peace agreement, brokered in Washington with U.S. support, is comprehensive, covering political, security, economic, and humanitarian aspects.

'We are optimistic because those three aspects are taken care of.
However, we are cautiously optimistic because we have an experience with the DRC of signing agreements without implementing them,' he noted.

Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that Rwanda’s security concerns, particularly the threat posed by the FDLR, a genocidal force, are central to the agreement.

'We have decided together to ensure that this movement, this FDLR, is neutralized once and for all, which will allow Rwanda to lift its defensive measures,' he stated.

On the economic front, the agreement fosters joint investments between Rwanda and the DRC, supported by U.S. companies.

These include managing shared natural resources like the Virunga and Volcanoes National Parks, methane gas in Lake Kivu, hydropower via the CZ3 power plant, and the mineral value chain for electronics.

'This kind of positive collaboration would be a good incentive for permanent peace and prosperity in our region,' Nduhungirehe noted.

Politically, the agreement supports dialogue between the DRC government and the M23 movement, addressing root causes of conflict such as the persecution and marginalization of Congolese Tutsi communities.

Ongoing talks in Doha, Qatar, mediated by Qatar, mark progress, as the DRC has now agreed to engage with M23, a commitment absent in prior failed agreements.

However, Nduhungirehe tempered optimism with caution, citing the DRC’s history of signing but not implementing agreements.

Since the 1999 Lusaka ceasefire, at least 10 agreements, including the 2009 Goma accord that gave M23 its name, have gone unimplemented.

He also raised concerns about DRC’s militarization, including new weapons, attack drones, armored vehicles, and mercenaries, such as Colombian operatives hired by Blackwater during Washington negotiations.

'We know that the DRC has not implemented previous agreements… Rwanda will do its part of the deal, and we hope that the DRC will also follow through,' he said.

Addressing differences from past efforts, Nduhungirehe noted that the current agreement builds on the Luanda Process, mediated by Angola’s President Joao Lourenço in 2024, which collapsed due to the DRC’s refusal to negotiate with M23.

The inclusion of economic cooperation and U.S. support distinguishes this deal. He also responded to critics of the Trump administration, which facilitated the agreement, saying, 'So what? Having interests in the region is not a problem, provided they are interested in helping Rwanda and DRC achieve peace and stability.'

IGIHE

In his speech, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia, Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, paid tribute to the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) for liberating the country and honored those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle.

He expressed deep appreciation for the dedication of men and women in Rwanda’s military and police forces who have worked for over 31 years to maintain peace and security both within Rwanda and across various parts of the African continent.

Amb. Nzabamwita highlighted that Liberation Day is a moment to reflect on Rwanda’s journey over the past 31 years, a journey that has seen significant progress in both social development and economic growth. He attributed this success to wise leadership, sound policies, and strategic national programs.

He noted that under this leadership, Rwanda has significantly reduced poverty, from 39% to 27% in the past seven years, lifting 1.5 million people out of poverty. He added that in 2024, the economy grew by 8.9%, enabling job creation, especially for the youth, and strengthening the fight against poverty.

The ambassador also commended the growing relationship between Rwanda and Russia, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Amb. Georgiy Chepik, Deputy Director of the Department of African States
at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the guest of honor, acknowledged Rwanda’s remarkable progress following its tragic history.

He praised Rwanda’s success in reconciliation, peacebuilding, and socio-economic transformation, noting that the country is steadily advancing toward sustainable development.

Chepik reiterated Russia’s continued support for Rwanda’s sovereignty and expressed satisfaction with the current cooperation between the two countries, particularly in political, trade, and economic spheres.

He also welcomed Rwanda’s active participation in the inaugural Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference held in November 2024.

During this conference, both countries signed a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, a deal that has been in effect since February 2025.

In his closing remarks, Chepik expressed confidence that the friendship between Rwanda and Russia will continue to grow, fostering peace and prosperity for both nations and contributing to lasting peace across the African continent.

IGIHE

The UCI Road World Championships is an annual international road cycling competition, bringing together national teams from around the world under the organization of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

For the first time, the event is set to take place on the African continent, with Rwanda chosen as the host after beating Morocco in the selection process in September 2021.

In preparation for the upcoming Road World Championships, Rwanda is implementing various infrastructure projects, including the construction and upgrading of roads to meet international standards.

Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, Director General in charge of Communication and Education at the City of Kigali, has told IGIHE that the roadworks are being carried out in accordance with the competition’s requirements, which include the removal of speed bumps along the designated race routes.

“One of the key conditions is that roads used for the race must be free of speed bumps. As such, all speed bumps along the planned routes are currently being removed,” she explained.

When asked whether the speed bumps would be reinstalled after the event, she noted: “There are still several months ahead, so the situation could evolve. However, what is clear for now is that once the race is over, the speed bumps on those roads will be reinstated.”

The Road World Championships is expected to attract numerous participants from across the globe, along with visitors who will come for both the event and tourism activities.

First held in 1921 in Copenhagen, Denmark, the most recent edition of the championship took place in Zürich, Switzerland, in 2024.

Kigali is removing speed bumps from roads that will be used for the races during the upcoming Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championships.

IGIHE

The selection process, held at Green Hills Academy in Kigali on July 4, 2025, involved children from various football academies across Kigali City, with a significant number from FTPR Lions Academy.

The event featured competitive matches among the participants, allowing coaches to evaluate and identify the most promising players.

Shining Football Academy claimed victory in the Under-9 category, while FTPR Lions Academy secured the overall title, outperforming other academies, including Agaciro Football Academy, Centre Gikondo, and Esperance Football Academy.

The selected twelve will travel to England next week, supported by Green Hills Academy and Kigali International Community School.

Alain Mbabazi, Athletic Director at Green Hills Academy, expressed confidence in the initiative’s success, noting that the chosen players are expected to excel.

He also highlighted the potential for Arsenal to retain some of these talents based on their performance during the camp.

The selection process, held at Green Hills Academy in Kigali on July 4, 2025, involved children from various football academies across Kigali City, with a significant number from FTPR Lions Academy.

The event featured competitive matches among the participants, allowing coaches to evaluate and identify the most promising players.

FTPR Lions Academy won the trophy in the under-11 category.

Alain Mbabazi, Athletic Director at Green Hills Academy, expressed confidence in the initiative’s success, noting that the chosen players are expected to excel.

IGIHE

In a statement published on his X account, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that 44 suspects were detained in relation to 65 forest fires that occurred in 12 provinces between June 26 and July 4, 10 of them were arrested, and judicial control measures were imposed on six of them.

Earlier in the day, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli announced that the forest fire in Cesme, a popular resort town, was brought under control by Friday morning. Efforts to contain the blazes in Odemis and Buca districts are still ongoing.

Two people lost their lives in Odemis — an 81-year-old bedridden man and a forestry worker who died while battling the blaze, according to Yumakli.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fires, but high temperatures, low humidity, and powerful winds have created ideal conditions for forest fires to spread rapidly. Investigations are underway to determine whether negligence or arson may have played a role.

Xinhua

Rwanda and Kenya secured automatic qualification for the African Women’s Championship, as they were the only two countries to participate in the competition, which offered two available slots.

Nigeria was among the three countries that had initially confirmed participation in the tournament taking place in Nairobi but withdrew at the last minute.

In the match played on Friday at Kasarani Indoor Stadium, Rwanda defeated Kenya in straight sets 3-0 (16-25, 15-25, and 20-25).

Rwanda and Kenya are scheduled to play five matches in this tournament, which will conclude on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

In the men’s category, the competition has attracted six countries, including Rwanda, which will play its first match on Saturday against Algeria at 4:00 p.m.

Rwanda is in Group A alongside Kenya and Algeria, while Group B comprises Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.

In 2024, Rwanda won the women’s title after defeating Kenya in the final, while the men’s team finished in third place after beating Algeria.

Rwanda has qualified for the Women’s Sitting Volleyball World Championship to be held in China.

Rwanda’s Women’s Team started with a win over Kenya in the opening match.

Rwanda and Kenya will play five matches against each other in the African Championship taking place in Nairobi.

Kenya also secured qualification along with Rwanda.

IGIHE

The new branch, located in Cyugamo Village, Gako Cell, Masaka Sector of Kicukiro District, officially opened on June 30, 2025.

It launched with a team of five staff members, including officers responsible for regular savings and withdrawals, loan and project analysis, as well as a branch manager overseeing operations.

The CEO of Duterimbere IMF PLC, Alphonse Ngabonziza, stated that the branch was opened in response to requests from residents of the area, who expressed challenges in accessing services from the city center, which previously housed the nearest branches.

'This is a rapidly developing area, yet it is evident that financial institutions here are still limited. That’s why we brought our services closer to the local population to help them continue advancing economically.'

Jeannette Mukamana, a client of Duterimbere IMF PLC, shared that she used to face challenges accessing the institution’s services because it required her to travel to downtown Kigali, which negatively affected her business operations.

At times, when she urgently needed funds, she had to set aside an entire day just to reach another branch, costing her valuable time.

She said: 'I started out only selling gas, but after receiving a loan from Duterimbere IMF PLC, I have now expanded my business to include a hardware shop as well. Previously, I had to go to the city center for their services, but now that the branch is closer to me, it will make my business much easier.'

Duterimbere Duterimbere IMF PLC is a microfinance institution that specializes in providing financial services to women, offering them low-interest loans that are disbursed in a short period of just seven days.

Duterimbere IMF Plc has opened a new branch in Kabuga, located in Masaka Sector, Gako Cell, Cyugamo Village.

Some employees of Duterimbere IMF Plc assigned to the new Kabuga branch.

The new Duterimbere IMF Plc branch opened in Kabuga was established in response to requests from clients who previously had to seek services in downtown Kigali.

During the opening of the Duterimbere IMF Plc branch, guests were given a tour of all the rooms where services will be offered.

Mukamana Jeannette, a client of Duterimbere IMF Plc, spoke about how the microfinance institution continues to support her development.

The CEO of Duterimbere IMF Plc, Alphonse Ngabonziza, stated that the branch was opened in response to requests from residents of the area.

IGIHE

He was speaking at a reception held on the evening of July 4 at the Kigali Convention Centre to mark Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Anniversary.

Kagame reflected on Rwanda’s liberation journey, the sacrifices made by many, and the enduring threat posed by those who wish to destabilize the country.

He particularly condemned the continued threat of the FDLR rebel group, and the recent collaboration that saw SADC troops supporting Kinshasa’s campaign against its citizens (the M23).

'In the recent months and so you see again the whole world was watching. Mercenaries came from Europe, then other confused brothers and sisters from our continent… They sent in everything to support a government that is killing its own people, that supports genociders, people who killed our people here,' Kagame said.

He added that threats to Rwanda, the weapon build-up in Goma and Bukavu, and drone warfare claims clearly signaled broader intentions: 'It was aimed at Rwanda.'

Following the capture of Goma, SADC troops found themselves encircled by the rebel group and requested safe passage to withdraw through Rwanda—despite their earlier support for a coalition that harbored intentions to destabilize the country.

'We gave them passage. We gave them security. We made sure they went back home. But they could have perished if they really put up a fight. There’s no question about it,' he noted.

Kagame made it clear that Rwanda’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness.

'We can walk 2,000 kilometers from here fighting if and when we have to fight,' he said. 'Those people who tell you nonsense that they have drones, they have what? They will come and attack Rwanda? We will find you where you are launching those drones from.'

He called on the international community and critics to understand that Rwanda’s primary demand is mutual respect and non-interference: 'Just if you can’t cooperate with us, leave us alone.'

Addressing those who withhold support or threaten to withdraw funding, Kagame said, 'Yes, that money when it comes, I assure you, you will not find a place that puts that money to good use more than we do… But to wag a finger at me, I’ll break it. Just that thing alone.'

Turning inward, Kagame urged Rwandans — young and old — to remember the meaning of their liberation and the responsibilities it entails. 'You are not a bunch of sheep that must be herded to a slaughterhouse… You should never accept it,' he said. 'I would rather go to my grave giving it a fight… How I go there matters.'

Reflecting on Rwanda’s transformation over the last three decades, Kagame asserted, 'It’s not just that we removed the killers and we took over. No, we are not just new people in our thinking, in our existence. We are new people because we have changed things towards what they should be.'

He concluded with a powerful message to those who believe in divine accountability: 'So don’t let anyone be allowed to take us back years in history… When you are being asked to account, for me, I’m prepared with my notes in my pocket. When they say, 'Hey, what did you do?’ I say, 'Sir, this is what I did. I apologize for my shortcomings but I think largely there is something I will show for it.’'

Kagame urged all Rwandans to reflect on the long journey of liberation and continue to defend and advance their nation with pride, dignity, and unity.

IGIHE

Speaking during a conversation with members of the press on Liberation Day, President Kagame shared personal and national insights, emphasising the sacrifices of the liberation struggle and Rwanda’s commitment to self-reliance.

“For me, at a personal level, it’s been a very tough but enjoyable journey,” the president said in his opening remarks.

He highlighted the significance of the struggle, noting, 'This is the best thing one can do to be part of the many years of struggle to put things right for our country, for our people, for ourselves all together.'

When asked about the personal convictions that drove him to fight for Rwanda as part of the group of refugees who formed the Rwanda Patriotic Army, which liberated the country and ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, President Kagame offered a deep reflection on the challenges and rewards of the liberation struggle.

'The tough side was what was confronted and dealt with, being of such a magnitude that for the half-hearted, they would just collapse under the weight of its first day,' he said.

Yet, he found inspiration in the collective effort: 'The enjoyable part… is understanding the story itself, where you are coming from and where you are going, and then finding yourself in the middle of it, being one among many to be looked up to… It gives a sense of pride, inspiration.'

Kagame paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, acknowledging the unexplainable nature of survival.

'I cannot account for why I’m still alive. I could have easily gone the way of the others who didn’t make it,' he admitted, adding, 'We remember them. We honour them. We respect them for what we know they are associated with or they did when they were still there.'

He emphasized that the struggle’s purpose was to create a better future, stating, 'What comes out in the end must reflect that difference between what you really fought against and what you are creating. They have to be different.'

The president also addressed Rwanda’s progress toward self-reliance, responding to a question about a 2012 speech where he criticised Western powers for scapegoating Rwanda.

'Rwanda has constantly been changing, but those powerful countries and how they see us or maybe see other Africans has really not changed,' Kagame said, asserting, 'We don’t owe our living to anyone. Never will it happen again.'

'It’s not bragging. It’s an act of survival,' he declared, encapsulating the spirit of a nation forged through struggle and determination.

President Paul Kagame on Friday reflected on Rwanda’s 31-year journey since the 1994 liberation, describing it as 'a very tough but enjoyable journey' that has shaped Rwanda’s resilience and identity.

Speaking during a conversation with members of the press on Liberation Day, President Kagame shared personal and national insights, emphasising the sacrifices of the liberation struggle and Rwanda’s commitment to self-reliance.

Wycliffe Nyamasege