RWANDA’S LIBERATION DAY: A CELEBRATION OF RENEWAL, AND GROWING TIES WITH QATAR

HANANE DJOUA

Doha

Ambassador of Rwanda to Qatar HE Igor Marara has highlighted the profound significance of Rwanda’s Liberation Day, celebrated on July 4th.

In an exclusive interview with Qatar Tribune, Marara said Liberation Day, which marks the end of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, is a deeply emotional occasion for Rwandans.

“For many, it meant being able to survive and no longer being hunted,” he explained.

He said this day symbolizes not only the renewal of Rwanda but also the strengthening bonds between Rwanda and Qatar.

The day represents a return to normal life, where families could reconnect with their land and each other.

As an ambassador, Marara sees Liberation Day as an opportunity to share Rwanda’s story of recovery and resilience with the host country and its leadership.

This year, Rwanda celebrates the 30th anniversary of Liberation Day, marking three decades of progress and unity. The day has evolved into a vibrant celebration of Rwanda’s achievements across various fields—social, political, and more. It also reaffirms Rwanda’s commitment to continuous progress and development.

A significant aspect of this year’s celebration is the focus on Rwanda’s growing relationship with Qatar.

Ambassador Marara emphasized the strong strategic partnership between the two nations, which has flourished over recent years.

“Every year, we invite our Qatari friends to celebrate with us. Rwanda and Qatar have a very good strategic partnership, so they are always welcome,” he said. This collaboration provides an opportunity for Qatar to witness Rwanda’s journey firsthand and understand its transformative progress.

The partnership between Rwanda and Qatar spans various sectors, including aviation, hospitality, education, and health. One of the most notable projects is the collaboration between Qatar Airways, QIA, and the Rwandan government to build a new aviation cargo hub at Kigali International Airport. This hub aims to serve the entire continent and link it with Doha, reflecting the strategic importance of the partnership. “This relationship is something we are proud of and continue to expand,” Marara added.

Beyond aviation, the partnership includes significant investments in hospitality, with several joint ventures aimed at boosting tourism and enhancing the hospitality infrastructure in Rwanda. Education and health are also key areas of cooperation, with both countries working on projects that promise long-term benefits for their populations.

Rwanda’s Liberation Day celebrations are particularly aimed at the younger generation. With 40% of Rwanda’s population being young people, the youth are at the forefront of these festivities, learning about their country’s history and their roles in its future. Marara emphasized the importance of intergenerational dialogue during these celebrations, which link the commemoration of the genocide with the liberation, helping the younger generation understand their parents’ experiences and fostering an exchange of memories.

Reflecting on the historical context, Marara noted that while Rwanda’s Independence Day, marking freedom from Belgian colonial rule, was historically divisive, Liberation Day unites Rwandans. It breaks down historical divisions and complements Independence Day by emphasizing unity and collective identity.

The ambassador expressed his gratitude towards Qatar for its continued support and partnership. He believes that the relationship between Rwanda and Qatar will only strengthen further, with more collaborative projects on the horizon.

“Our partners always have the first seats at this event to better understand the resilience and progress of Rwanda,” Marara stated, underscoring the importance of these shared celebrations in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

As Rwanda marks the 30th anniversary of Liberation Day, the celebrations not only honor the country’s past and present achievements but also highlight the enduring and expanding partnership with Qatar. This special milestone serves as a testament to Rwanda’s resilience and the strong, strategic bonds that have been built with Qatar, promising a future of continued collaboration and shared prosperity.