WARSAW, Poland — The Rwandan Embassy in Poland, alongside the Rwandan Community Abroad (RCA)-Poland, marked the 32nd anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day (Kwibohora32) on July 7, celebrating a remarkable journey of national transformation and the rapid expansion of Rwandan-Polish relations.
Held at the Hilton Warsaw City, the gathering drew senior Polish government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, academic and private sector representatives, and the Rwandan diaspora. The evening served both as a solemn reflection on Rwanda’s rebirth and a celebration of its future.
A Legacy of Resilience and Unity
In his keynote address, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland, Dr. Anastase Shyaka, paid homage to the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) and the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA). He credited the forces, led by President Paul Kagame, for halting the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and setting the nation on a path to recovery.
Their sacrifice, Dr. Shyaka noted, built the foundation for a modern Rwanda defined by unity, security, dignity, and shared prosperity. Echoing President Kagame’s Kwibohora32 address, the Ambassador emphasized to the attendees: “If we stay together, nothing will be impossible to achieve.”
Representing the Polish Government, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wojciech Zajączkowski praised Rwanda’s extraordinary trajectory. He pointed out that while many nations might have succumbed to the devastation of 1994, Rwanda has demonstrated exceptional resilience to emerge as a global development success story.
Deepening Bilateral Ties
The Kwibohora32 celebrations coincided with the 61st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Poland. Ambassador Shyaka highlighted the unprecedented growth in this partnership over the past five years. He pointed to the recent establishment of resident embassies in both Warsaw and Kigali, which has helped position Poland as one of Rwanda’s premier economic partners in Europe.
A Fond Farewell
The event also carried a bittersweet tone, serving as the official farewell for Ambassador Shyaka, who is concluding his five-year diplomatic mission in Poland.
Expressing deep gratitude for the collaboration of the Polish government, development partners, and the local Rwandan community, Dr. Shyaka left the diaspora with a parting directive: remain united, patriotic, and extend the same steadfast support to his eventual successor.
Hon. Zajączkowski echoed these sentiments, commending Dr. Shyaka’s instrumental role in bridging the two nations during his tenure and wishing him well in his future assignments.
The evening’s formal proceedings concluded with a vibrant performance by Ballet Icyeza, a cultural troupe composed of Rwandan community members in Poland, who showcased traditional dances before guests transitioned into a commemorative cocktail reception.
Photo:KTPress
