The Rwandan High Commissioner to Ghana, Rosemary Mbabazi, has urged African countries to view Rwanda’s post-genocide transformation as a practical model for nations seeking sustainable development through unity, good governance, and human capital investment.

She emphasised that Rwanda’s recovery was anchored in a mindset shift that prioritised purpose, dignity, and unity over convenience and complacency.

“Today, Rwanda stands as a testament to what is possible when people make informed decisions and build their development based on purpose, dignity, and unity.

To achieve liberation, we don't have to do what is convenient but to have the courage to do what is right and that automatically means a change of the mindset and the narrative,” she said. 

She was speaking at the 31st anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation (Kwibohora 31) held in Accra last Sunday on the theme; “Kwibohora 31: Rwanda’s Journey Continues.”

Kwibohora

Marked annually on July 4, Kwibohora, meaning “liberation” in Kinyarwanda, commemorates the day in 1994 when the Rwandan Patriotic Army, led by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), liberated Kigali.

The move brought an end to a brutal genocide against the Tutsi, where about one million people were killed, and effectively ended a four-year civil war perpetrated by a Hutu-led government.

But beyond ending violence, Kwibohora signifies a collective journey of healing, unity, and self-reliance — a transformation from despair to hope, from division to cohesion. It is a living memory that fuels Rwanda’s commitment to inclusive governance, socio-economic development, and dignity for all its citizens.

The event brought together members of the Rwandan community across the country and Africa, diplomats, government officials, civil society representatives, students, and friends of Rwanda to reflect on the country's remarkable journey over the past 31 years.

It featured a panel discussion entitled; “Rwanda’s Transformation Journey 31 Years Later: Lessons and Commitments,” reflecting on visionary leadership, the role of Pan-African multinationals in development, and personal stories of resilience and growth.

High Commissioner Mbabazi underscored Rwanda’s commitment to accountable governance, citing the country’s strong stance against corruption where no official is above the law.

She emphasised on transparency as an essential ingredient for national recovery.

On competitiveness and regional integration, she challenged the label “landlocked,” asserting Rwanda is “land-linked,” actively engaging in the Commonwealth and regional blocs.

Rwanda, Ms Mbabazi said, also prioritised niche markets and eco-tourism, including its famed mountain gorillas and clean environment.

In agriculture, she said, the country had transformed from subsistence to wealth-generation through land consolidation, terrace farming, subsidies, and post-harvest management, positioning itself as a food security hub for the region.

The High Commissioner mentioned human capital development as Rwanda’s greatest asset, with strong investment in education, especially TVET and STEM fields, aiming to reduce unemployment and foster economic growth.  

She also stated that innovation was central to Rwanda’s progress, with nationwide fibre connectivity and hubs  empowering youth-led tech solutions, stressing that Rwanda’s proactive tech infrastructure enabled resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On gender equality, Ms Mbabazi emphasised women’s empowerment as a right, not a favour.

Women now hold 61 per cent of parliamentary seats, and deliberate efforts ensured gender parity in cabinet and rising female representation in the judiciary—affirming Rwanda’s inclusive, future-focused development approach.