The Rwanda High Commission in Singapore hosted a special event on Wednesday to commemorate its national day in Singapore.  

Rwanda’s national day, also known as Liberation Day, is celebrated on July 4. The day marks the commemoration of the country’s remarkable journey of liberation and rebirth following the devastating genocide that occurred in 1994. 

The commemorative event took place in the Windsor Ballroom of the Goodwood Park Hotel in Singapore. It was hosted by His Excellency Jean De Dieu Uwihanganye, who is the high commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda in Singapore as well as dean of African Group of Ambassadors in Singapore. 

The occasion was attended by numerous heads of diplomatic missions in Singapore, members of the Singaporean national government and from the country’s business sector. 

Left to right: Jaspal Singh, the non-resident high commissioner of Singapore to Rwanda; Singapore Member of Parliament Poh Li San; Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng; Rwandan High Commissioner Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye; Uwihanganye’s spouse & son; and Singaporean Member of Parliament Lim We Kiak. Image: Koh Zhisheng / DNA.

The guests were entertained with a series of cultural performances which evoked the spirit of “kwibohora”, loosely meaning “liberation”. The dances executed symbolised Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and the bravery shown Rwandan fighters during the pre-colonial era.

During the ceremony, High Commissioner Uwihanganye highlighted that the choices made by the country’s leadership after liberation, especially with regard to unity, accountability and foresight, have led the country to rapid growth and development.

His Excellency also underscored the excellent bilateral diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Singapore. These relations have been reinforced by the corresponding state visits that have taken place, led by Rwanda President Paul Kagame and Singapore President Halimah Yacob.  

The guest of honour, on behalf of the Singaporean government, was Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng. In a speech, Baey delivered a message of solidarity to the authorities and people of Rwanda. 

Rwandan High Commissioner Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye and Singaporean Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng toast to their countries’ strong relations. Image: Koh Zhisheng / DNA.

Singapore is one of the few Asian countries that has a compelling and serious approach towards Africa. This has been demonstrated through the opening of several diplomatic missions in Africa, together with investment and trade efforts. 

Rwanda is currently one of the most prosperous countries on the African continent. Policies strengthening the practice of business efficiency, good governance and transparency have led to it being called the “Singapore of Africa” by some. 

Diplomatic Network (Asia) would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Rwandan diplomatic mission in Singapore and High Commissioner Uwihanganye on their nation’s 29 years of peace.