28 Aug 2022

Botswana regards Rwanda as an important and strategic ally in development efforts, Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi has said.

Speaking on behalf of his foreign affairs colleague during Rwanda’s 28th anniversary of liberation in Gaborone on Thursday, Mr Mmusi said Rwanda’s remarkable transformation in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide was not only a momentous inheritance for future generations, but also a beacon of decency.

“These commemorations are perhaps the most iconic event in the history of Rwanda, marking the end of the 1994 genocide which sadly claimed many lives over a short period of time,” said Mr Mmusi.

Paying tribute to Rwanda President Paul Kagame, Mr Mmusi said the President’s visionary leadership led to the peaceful co-existence and unification of the people of Rwanda, particularly between ethnic Hutus and Tutsis.

He also said the developmental indicators of Rwanda after the genocide were indeed enviable and Botswana was keen to working closely with the people of Rwanda for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

“I am confident that the two countries will tap into each other’s knowledge and expertise as we endeavour to further strengthen collaboration in the development of our economies,” Mr Mmusi said.

Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Major General Albert Murasira said the celebration of their liberation day was an important opportunity to remind themselves of the unique journey from despair to their current promising path towards sustainable development.

Among Rwanda’s key development indicators, the country prides itself in being named the safest country for solo travelers in Africa and the sixth globally. Major General Murasira said Rwanda was ranked third in Africa by the World Bank’s global competitive index report.

Regarding the cordial bilateral relations Botswana and Rwanda share, Major General Murasira said President Kagame’s visit here in 2019 was a testament of that.

He said the two nations signed several agreements and memorandum of understanding under different sectors such as economic, defence, security and diplomatic relations. ENDS