Islamabad (TDI): The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), organized an event to commemorate Rwanda’s Liberation Day.
Ambassador of Rwanda to Pakistan, Harerimana Fatou, reflected on Rwanda’s liberation journey since July 4, 1994, emphasizing Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
Ambassador Fatou also noted the deepening Rwanda–Pakistan relationship, marked by diplomatic missions and MoUs in key sectors. She thanked Pakistan for hospitality and expressed commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, education, and tourism.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, in his remarks, emphasized the significance of commemorating Rwanda’s Liberation Day, not only as a moment of national pride, but as a tribute to the resilience and strength of the Rwandan people.
Reflecting on global injustices, he noted that the world has witnessed three major genocides in the last three decades; Rwanda, Bosnia, and the ongoing one in Gaza and highlighted the double-standards of the international system.
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Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, recalled the tragic events of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi community and noted that Rwanda’s Liberation Day stands as a solemn reminder of that painful chapter.
He also welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral relations and stressed the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation, highlighting Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping in Africa, including in Rwanda.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar, Additional Secretary for Africa, called the Rwandan genocide a failure of the UN system. He praised Rwanda’s resilience and development under President Kagame and expressed Pakistan’s interest in deeper ties.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, in his vote of thanks, recalled the 1994 genocide as one of Africa’s darkest chapters, with nearly a million lives lost. He praised Rwanda’s progress in poverty reduction, economic growth, and its leading role in UN peacekeeping, particularly in promoting women’s participation.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
