The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Sweden, in collaboration with the Rwandan Community, commemorated Rwanda's National Heroes Day in Varmland County (Örebro) under the theme 'Our Heroism - Our Dignity'. This annual event pays tribute to individuals who exemplified and defended the highest values of patriotism and sacrifice for the well-being of the country and its people. As we commemorate this day, it is crucial to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values that these heroes cherished, guiding Rwanda out of a dark chapter in its history during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, where over 1 million people lost their lives.

The celebration in Varmland County brought together 150 Rwandan diaspora and their friends for panel discussions, cultural exchanges, and joyful expressions of our heritage through song and dance. The event was also attended by the Ambassadors of Zimbabwe and Botswana to Sweden.

Ambassador Dr. Diane Gashumba, in her remarks, emphasized the significance of patriotism and encouraged Rwandans to embrace values such as integrity, sacrifice, humanity, love for work, and accountability. Upholding these principles, she noted, is crucial for Rwanda to achieve its vision and development goals.

Ambassador Diane gave examples of deeds that we should be proud of as a community, starting with the Rwandan Women Association in Sweden (RWAS), which for the past 10 years has had a school of culture, language, and dance. She thanked them for being pillars of the community. She also thanked their husbands who support them. She further acknowledged Dieudonne D'Amour Hakizimana, a member of the RCA Varmland, for putting Rwandan coffee on the map in his town of Karlstad, which hosts the biggest coffee company in the Nordics, Lofbergs. Hakizimana's Rwandan coffee can be found anywhere, including Karlstad Globala Gymnasium, a local high school that takes 50 students to Rwanda annually.

Ambassador Gashumba highlighted that this year marks the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. On this Heroes Day, she paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in defense of Rwanda while also honoring the living heroes among us — those who persist in their efforts to shape a better tomorrow.

Furthermore, the Ambassador emphasized the importance for Rwandans, especially youths, to understand the history of the country, including the dark chapters that led to the Genocide against the Tutsis, and to recognize the noble role of Rwandans in building the new Rwanda we have today.

Ambassador of Zimbabwe in Sweden, H.E Priscila Misihairabwi-Mushonga, and the Ambassador of Botswana in Sweden, H.E Juliana Dube-Gobotswang, in their remarks, mentioned the exemplary nature of Rwandans living in Sweden. They urged them to be an example to African diaspora, leading the way for a unified African diaspora. They committed themselves to helping make the necessary connections to some members of their respective diaspora so that the next time there is a gathering/celebration it is attended by all. They mentioned that as our African countries work together on the continent, we as Africans should work together abroad. The Ambassador of Botswana closed her remarks, saying that this was a full-circle moment for her, to be celebrating Heroes Day with Rwandans as we chose to write her thesis in law school on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

In addition to the celebration, Heroes' Day in Orebro coincided with the launch of the Rwandan Community Abroad (RCA) - Varmland zone. The RCA zone structure enables the Embassy to mobilize the Diaspora to actively participate in RCA activities, considering the significant size of the country.

Mr. Karara Jean Noel and Mr. Jonas Kwizera, leaders of the Rwandan Community in Sweden, thanked those residing in Orebro, Karlstad, and Vasteras (Varmland Zone) for their commitment in planning and putting together a fantastic event. These events are meant to bring together Rwandans, learn about our country's history and how we can all contribute to its prosperous future.

Mr. Frank Sekubumba, Chairman of RCA Orebro reminded Rwandans, especially the youth, that they are the image of Rwanda in Sweden. He reminded them to stay true to Rwandan values, work hard, and continue to work to build Rwanda, remembering that it is Home.

In closing the celebrations, the audience was entertained by DJ Vicky Nkurunziza and a special performance by Rwanda youth David Ntwali who recently signed a recording contract.