Join on WhatsApp 
Join on Telegram Rabat – In a celebration marking the 30th anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day, the Rwandan Embassy in Morocco hosted on July 25 an event that highlighted the profound journey from tragedy to triumph for the East African nation.
The occasion, known as Kwibohora, commemorates the end of the Rwandan Genocide on July 4, 1994, and the defeat of the government that orchestrated it.
The event in Rabat drew a distinguished audience, including ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, Moroccan civil society members, and Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade.
Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade and Shakilla K. Umutoni, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Morocco
The gathering underscored the deepening ties between Rwanda and Morocco and celebrated Rwanda’s remarkable progress over the past three decades.
A message of hope and resilience
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Morocco, Shakilla K. Umutoni, spoke passionately about the significance of Kwibohora in an interview with Morocco World News (MWN).
“After the darkness of war, our country has emerged as an African model in terms of security, good governance, unity, reconciliation, and economic development,” she told MWN.
Umutoni emphasized Rwanda’s transformation, highlighting the nation’s commitment to unity and the empowerment of women and youth as central to its identity.
Rwanda Liberation Celebration – Rabat
She highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment as central to the nation’s new identity.
“We have succeeded in creating a society where the advancement of women and youth is at the heart of our priorities,” she said, emphasizing the inclusive nature of Rwanda’s growth.
Strengthening international ties
Umutoni also stressed the importance of Rwanda’s role on the international stage, particularly in peacekeeping and regional cooperation.
“Rwanda actively participates in international peacekeeping missions under the UN, contributing to global stability. Our economic growth continues to attract international investors, including many from Morocco,” she told MWN.
The ambassador lauded the bilateral relations between Rwanda and Morocco, which have grown significantly since high-level visits in 2016 by both President Kagame and King Mohammed VI.
Li Changlin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Morocco
“These visits are not just diplomatic events; they are the cornerstones of a prosperous alliance. They have opened new prospects for cooperation in agriculture, education, technology, and many other strategic sectors,” she noted.
The inauguration of the Rwandan Embassy in Morocco in 2020 and the Moroccan Embassy in Rwanda in 2017 were pivotal in cementing these relations.
“Since 2016, more than 40 cooperation agreements have been signed, facilitating major investments and collaborative projects,” Umutoni highlighted, referencing initiatives like the Bank of Africa subsidiary, Cooper Pharma’s pharmaceutical plant, and the Rwanda Fertilizer Company.
Morocco’s commitment to cooperation
On behalf of Morocco, Minister Ryad Mezzour echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, emphasizing the North African country’s admiration for Rwanda’s progress and praising the strong bilateral relations.
Rwanda Liberation Celebration – Rabat
“The remarkable progress made by Rwanda under President Kagame’s leadership, particularly in consolidating political stability and economic development, is commendable,” Mezzour stated in a keynote speech.
He highlighted the mutual benefits of the Morocco-Rwanda partnership, pointing out significant Moroccan investments in Rwandan health security, agriculture, and finance.
“Morocco believes in Africa’s future, and Rwanda is fertile ground for investment. Our cooperation in sectors such as textiles, agri-food and telecommunications offers undeniable partnership opportunities,” he said.
Mezzour called for further efforts to enhance trade between the two nations, noting that current levels do not fully reflect the potential of their economies.
He also welcomed the creation of a Moroccan-Rwandan business council, which is aimed at fostering economic collaboration.
Looking ahead
As Rwanda marks three decades since liberation, both nations look forward to strengthening their cooperation.
Rwanda Liberation Celebration – Rabat
“We continue to build on the solid foundations we have erected and reflect on the profound meaning of our national motto: Unity, Work, Patriotism,” Umutoni said.
The celebration in Rabat was not just a commemoration of Rwanda’s past but a testament to its future aspirations.
Both Rwanda and Morocco reaffirmed their commitment to a partnership that promises to contribute to the prosperity and stability of Africa.
“Together, we strive towards a renewed and lasting partnership,” Mezzour concluded. “Our shared ambition is to forge ahead towards a future of mutual benefit for our peoples and for the African continent as a whole.”
