Rwanda commemorates its National Day on July 1, marking the 62nd anniversary of its independence from Belgian colonial rule in 1962. However, the observance of this day is intertwined with another important date in Rwanda’s history – July 4, known as Liberation Day or “Kwibohora.”
While July 1 is a public holiday in Rwanda, it is not celebrated with large-scale national festivities. Instead, the country places greater emphasis on Liberation Day, which honors the 1994 victory of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) that ended the Rwandan genocide. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Liberation Day.
The United States government consistently recognizes both dates in its annual statements. U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken stated for Rwanda’s National Day in 2024:
“On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the Rwandan people on the 62nd anniversary of your independence on July 1 and the 30th anniversary of Liberation Day on July 4. We remain committed to collaborating with Rwanda in addressing challenges in the areas of economic prosperity, food security, environmental protection, and promoting the rule of law to ensure peace and stability both regionally and globally.”
This dual recognition reflects the complex history of Rwanda and the country’s efforts to rebuild and reconcile following the 1994 genocide. Since Liberation Day, Rwanda has made significant strides in various areas, including promoting women in governance, generating economic growth, and demonstrating leadership in global health, higher education, and international peacekeeping.
