The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), hosted a vibrant event to commemorate Rwanda’s Liberation Day. The gathering, marked by the national anthems of Pakistan and Rwanda, highlighted the growing Pakistan-Rwanda relationship and Rwanda’s inspiring journey of resilience and transformation post-1994 genocide.
A Tribute to Rwanda’s Resilience
The event, moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, featured prominent speakers, including Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR, and Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, as the keynote speaker. Other key voices included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, Ms. Harerimana Fatou, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Naeem Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Rwanda, Lt Col Shyaka Kajugiro Ismail, and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed praised Rwanda’s leadership under President Paul Kagame for uniting the nation after the 1994 genocide, which claimed nearly a million lives. He drew parallels with global injustices, citing genocides in Bosnia and Gaza, and criticized the international community’s double standards. He emphasized the strengthening Pakistan-Rwanda ties in political, economic, and defense sectors, advocating for deeper South-South cooperation.
Rwanda’s Remarkable Transformation
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood reflected on Rwanda’s painful history and its remarkable recovery, noting its success in inclusive governance, digital innovation, and sustainable development. He highlighted Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” policy, which has spurred milestones like the mutual establishment of diplomatic missions. The recent visit of Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe to Islamabad further boosted bilateral momentum, with opportunities in trade, agriculture, education, healthcare, and technology.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan called the 1994 genocide a failure of the UN system, echoing its legacy in ongoing crises like Gaza. He praised Rwanda’s progress and outlined Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation in education, IT, tourism, and industry.
Deepening Pakistan-Rwanda Ties
Ms. Harerimana Fatou celebrated Rwanda’s transformation into a peaceful and progressive nation, thanking Pakistan for its hospitality and emphasizing the deepening bilateral relationship through diplomatic missions and MoUs. Mr. Muhammad Naeem Khan noted the trade surge from $34 million to $127 million, alongside growing cultural and educational exchanges, including scholarships for Rwandan students.
Lt Col Shyaka Kajugiro Ismail recounted Rwanda’s liberation struggle and the international community’s failure during the genocide, crediting national leadership for the country’s renewal. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood lauded Rwanda’s economic growth, poverty reduction, and leadership in UN peacekeeping, expressing optimism for its future.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Africa
The event underscored Pakistan’s dedication to fostering ties with Africa through initiatives like CAMEA and the “Engage Africa” policy. With Rwanda emerging as a model of post-conflict recovery, the growing partnership signals a promising future for collaboration in trade, education, and peacekeeping.
