Juba, 6 July 2024

Today, Rwandan peacekeepers under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and Rwandan Community in South Sudan, joined by friends including other UN Contingents, South Sudanese and UNMISS officials, UN Agencies; celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Rwanda’s Liberation.

All the guests were welcomed by Rwanbatt-3 Contingent Commander, Col Tyson Sesonga at  Durupi Military Base Camp, Juba. 

The Government of South Sudan was represented by HE Ambassador Akech Chol Ahou, the Director General of the Department of International Laws and Treaties representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for South Sudan, Mr Nicholas Haysom and the Mayor of Juba, Her Worship Flora Gabriel Modi were among the key guests present. 

In his remarks, the Rwanda Senior National Representative in South Sudan, Brig Gen William Ryarasa said the celebration marks a reflection on how the Rwanda Patriotic Army liberated Rwanda from genocidal regime that perpetrated injustice and denied Rwandans their fundamental rights including their identity and kept them as refugees over years. 

He highlighted that Rwandans and friends are now celebrating the rebirth of Rwanda with achievements in different sectors, thanks to the visionary leadership of HE President Paul Kagame.

The Rwandan Community Representative in South Sudan, Mr William Ngabonziza thanked the RPA for the sacrifice made to stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and liberating Rwanda. He said that the Rwandan Community in South Sudan is dedicated to continue joining hands with other Rwandans and other Africans in the journey of working for peace and development. 

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for South Sudan, Mr Nicholas Haysom   commended Rwanda for the great achievements made in unity and reconciliation after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi adding that with the visionary leadership, Rwanda was transformed to becoming an exemplary country currently ranking as the 3rd global contributing country to the UN peacekeeping operations as well as the biggest troops contributing country in UNMISS. 

The Guest of Honor, HE Ambassador Akech Chol Ahou, the Director General of the Department of International Laws and Treaties representing the South Sudan Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulated Rwanda for the Liberation and said the Government of South Sudan appreciates the bilateral cooperation with Rwanda and looks forward to deepen furthermore the cooperation. He thanked Rwandan peacekeepers for the valuable contribution in South Sudan. 

The event was marked by cultural dance performances by Rwanda, Nepal, China and Ethiopian Contingents and South Sudan Civilians as well as martial arts and demonstration of skills at arms by Rwandan peacekeepers.