People sing to celebrate the liberation anniversary in Muhanga, Rwanda, on July 4, 2018. Rwanda on Wednesday marked 24 years after the liberation struggle when the current government took over power after defeating the ex-regime and stopping the genocide. (Xinhua/Cyril Ndegeya)
MUHANGA, Rwanda, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Wednesday marked 24 years after the liberation struggle when the current government took over power after defeating the ex-regime and stopping the genocide.
July 4, 1994 was the day when Kigali fell into the hands of the then Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), now Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), led by the Rwanda President Paul Kagame marking the Rwanda liberation.
The day marks the end of the Rwandan genocide that claimed over 1 million ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
The main celebrations to mark the day were held at Rongi Sector, Muhanga district in Southern Rwanda, where the RDF constructed a model village for low income families who previously resided in high risk zones.
"Our main aim is to ensure prosperity for all Rwandans. We partnered with citizens to liberate our country from bad leadership. Let's partner to build strong and sustainable, inclusive economic and social transformation in Rwanda," Kagame told thousands of Muhanga residents gathered at the event that also attracted First Lady Jeannette Kagame and senior government officials among others.
Achieving citizen's prosperity requires commitment and sacrifice and as well as citizen participation in various developmental activities in the country, said Kagame.
"The liberation struggle on the battlefield succeeded because those who were fighting worked with citizens. It is this spirit of unity that we want to maintain to transform this country," the Rwandan leader said.
Kagame also highlighted the issue of human trafficking which has become a global challenge, warning Rwandans not to fall prey.
This year's activities to the liberation started in May whereby various projects aimed at improving people's welfare were inaugurated by the RDF in collaboration with various public institutions.
For the past three years, the government embarked on building affordable homes for vulnerable citizens in every district's designated model village, with the completed homes often being handed over to needy citizens on every liberation day.
"Access to electricity, water and other services provided by government is your right, you should hold us accountable and demand that we deliver. Do not accept to pay anyone a bribe, delivering and serving you is our duty," Kagame told Muhanga residents.
