Rwanda celebrated its 30th Liberation Day in Warsaw, attended by Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrzej Szejna, and many other diplomats. Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland, Prof. SHYAKA Anastase, welcomed all guests and delivered a speech thanking the invitees. He shared Rwanda’s journey over the past 30 years, highlighting the country’s resilience and unique development.
Rwanda and Poland enjoy strong relationships in various sectors such as health, education, economy, and security. Both countries share a history of overcoming significant national traumas: Rwanda experienced the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, while Poland faced devastation during World War II and subsequent Soviet influence. Both nations have focused on rebuilding and economic development, achieving notable progress in recent decades. They emphasize national unity and memory preservation in their efforts to heal and move forward.
What You Should Know About Rwanda
- Cleanliness: Rwanda is one of the cleanest nations on Earth. It has banned plastic bags for over a decade, and locals participate in a monthly community clean-up called Umuganda. This initiative, introduced in 1998, involves activities like rehabilitating forests and building schools and hospitals. Umuganda is mandatory for Rwandans aged 18-35, and visitors and expatriates are encouraged to join on the last Saturday of every month.
- Coffee: Rwanda is known for its great coffee, thanks to its high-altitude and tropical climate. The coffee, mostly of the bourbon variety, is known for its rich, buttery flavor.
- Gender Representation: Rwanda leads the world in gender representation in government, with over 60% of parliamentary seats held by women.
- Language: The official language of Rwanda is Kinyarwanda. Here are some basic phrases:
- Hello: Muraho
- Good morning: Mwaramutse
- Good afternoon: Mwiriwe
- Good night: Ijoro ryiza
- Goodbye: Muramuke
- Thank you: Murakoze
- Yes: Yego
- No: Oya
For those visiting Poland, here are some basic Polish words:
- Hello: Cześć
- Good morning: Dzień dobry
- Good afternoon: Dobry wieczór
- Good night: Dobranoc
- Goodbye: Do widzenia
- Thank you: Dziękuję
- Yes: Tak
- No: Nie
The celebration in Warsaw not only honored Rwanda’s liberation but also highlighted the strong ties and mutual respect between Rwanda and Poland.
