Kwibohora 32: Rwanda's Liberation Day Celebrated in Stockholm with the Inaugural GANZA Africa Nordic Festival

On 4 July 2026, 400 delegates joined the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the Nordic Countries and the Rwandan Community Abroad (RCA) in Sweden, to mark Kwibohora 32 — the 32nd anniversary of Rwanda's Liberation — with a vibrant celebration in Stockholm. The day brought together members of the Rwandan community, friends of Rwanda, 26 diplomatic partners, and guests from across the Nordic region to honour the journey that ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and set Rwanda on a path of unity, dignity, and transformation.

This year's celebration carried a special significance: for the first time, Kwibohora was paired with the GANZA Africa Nordic Festival, a cultural showcase held under the theme "Building Bridges Through Culture," which extended the day's spirit of liberation into an evening of African music, dance, and community celebration.

Honouring the Liberation Journey

The afternoon programme opened with welcome remarks by Ms. Clothilde Rubagumya, President of the Rwandan Community Abroad in Sweden, followed by a screening of a Kwibohora video retracing the liberation struggle, and a welcome performance by the cultural troupe.

A highlight of the programme was the Kwibohora Conversation by the Youth, in which young Rwandans reflected on the meaning of liberation for their generation and the responsibility of carrying its values forward. Their exchange underscored a message at the heart of Kwibohora: that liberation is not only a historical achievement, but a living commitment renewed by every generation.

The performance of Mutima w’Urugo, women in Sweden, serves as a powerful reminder that Rwanda’s liberation struggle was anchored in a profound commitment to gender inclusion. Women contributed to the liberation both directly and indirectly, standing as pillars of resilience within their families while their relatives joined the frontline. Today, Rwandan women continue to shape the country’s transformation journey, driving progress, strengthening communities, and embodying a visionary leadership model where no one is left behind.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Diane Gashumba delivered remarks, paying tribute to the men and women whose courage and sacrifice liberated the country, and reflecting on the unity, resilience, and progress that have defined Rwanda's 32-year journey since.

Mr. Dario Jovic, Acting Head of the Africa Department at Sweden's Ministry for Foreign Affairs, delivered remarks commending the Rwandan transformational journey and resilience and reaffirming the strong and growing partnership between Rwanda and Sweden. 

GANZA Africa Nordic Festival: Building Bridges Through Culture

As evening fell, the celebration transitioned into the GANZA Africa Nordic Festival. In her address as Guest of Honour, Ambassador Gashumba commended the initiative for celebrating African culture in the Nordics and for strengthening the bonds between African communities.

The festival offered a rich showcase of African creativity: Rwandan traditional dance, a Ugandan traditional dance troupe, and youth interventions, followed by a live performance of traditional and gospel music by Josh Ishimwe from Rwanda. A dynamic line-up of artists — including OOG Killa, Goo Getta, David, Holiday, Motreja, Channy Chantal, and Anthony Sky — kept the energy high throughout the evening.

A Community Awards Ceremony recognised individuals whose dedication has strengthened the Rwandan community in Sweden, before a special performance by Toussaint Chiza, winner of Idol Sverige and Melodifestivalen. The night closed with the GANZA Party, featuring DJ sets by DJ LVLV (Burundi) and DJ Bucci (Nigeria) — a fitting celebration of the pan-African spirit that animated the entire day.

Liberation as a Living Legacy

Kwibohora 32 in Stockholm was more than a commemoration of the past; it was a celebration of what liberation has made possible — a united, confident, and forward-looking Rwanda, and a diaspora that carries its values with pride. Through the GANZA Africa Nordic Festival, the day also affirmed the power of culture to build bridges between Africa and the Nordic region, and between generations.