Rwandan diaspora in Switzerland gathered in Geneva to celebrate National Heroes' Day on  Saturday  February 4, 2023 in an event that united Rwandans and friends of Rwanda.

In her opening remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Switzerland, Marie Chantal Rwakazina, referred to the main reason why the Government of Rwanda has established an annual celebration day to honour Rwandan Heroes, and emphasised the importance of preserving Unity of all Rwandans and fighting those who aim at creating divisions among Rwandans.

''One of the heroic values ​​that pushed our national heroes to sacrifice everything is the thirst for Unity by fighting against all forms of divisionism in Rwanda. Particularly, Rwanda has suffered severe consequences of political systems that fostered division, which fuelled hatred and discord, leading to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In recognition of our national heroes & for the sake of future generations, it is our duty to promote Unity & to fight more actively against all those who still want to divide us''. Ambassador Rwakazina said.

Marie-Christine Lüssi Umuhoza, daughter of the late Rt. Hon. PM Agathe Uwiringiyimana and Rwanda National Hero, bravely shared the untold testimony of her mother's heroic acts and selfless dedication to advocating for peace and unity in Rwanda,. Umuhoza touched on the courage that marked her mother's life, as well as on her political journey and how she did not stop fighting against any form of l discrimination, especially in the education system.

‘’In 1973, my mother denounced the injustice that was happening in schools at that time, where some of her classmates from Lycée Notre Dame de Cîteaux had just been expelled’’. Umuhoza said.

"My mother then decided to enter politics and in 1992, she was appointed Minister of Education, where she immediately abolished the ‘’Quota’’ system based on divisive criteria. This caused her great persecution at the time. In 1993-1994, she was appointed Prime Ministerand pursued her fight for unity of Rwandans and the return of those who had fled the Country. This cost her her life in April 1994’’. Umuhoza proceeded.

The event also included panel discussions whose topics ranged from: Understanding the history of Heroism in Africa and  in the World, assessing the values of Heroism in Rwandan history, the role of Heroism in overcoming critical periods in the history of Rwanda.

Discussions also included acknowledging the selfless actions of National Heroes, their values and the overall understanding of what heroism means looking at Rwanda's #Vision2050, through understanding young people's role in building Rwanda based on the culture of heroism. The audience was also given enough time for questions and interventions, which made the event interactive.

Youth was then invited for a meet & greet with Ambassador Rwakazina who, in her remarks, reminded them: ''Rwanda counts on you. The spirit of heroism begins with that love that you have for your country. I encourage you to nurture interest in our culture, values ​​& Kinyarwanda''.

A moment of conviviality marked the day, with a get-together and meal sharing moment at the sounds of Rwandan music dedicated to National Heroes. Swiss-based ''Itorero Urunana'' entertained the guests through traditional music and dance.

Also read: IGIHE: Abanyarwanda batuye mu Busuwisi bizihije Umunsi w’Intwali z’u Rwanda (Amafoto)