Ethiopian PM honored Rwanda’s “National Liberation Medal”
By Tesfa-alem Tekle
July 6, 2009 (KIGALI) — Marking its national liberation day, Rwanda on Saturday decorated 3 African leaders, nation’s highest accolades for their contribution to Rwanda’s liberation struggle and also to their efforts in promoting campaign and raising powerful voices against the act of Genocide 15 years ago.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Federal Republic of Ethiopia, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, and former Tanzanian president Mwalimu Julius Nyerere received “National Liberation Medal,” or “Uruti” which symbolizes the values of wisdom, leadership, and bravery.
Rwandan president, Paul Kagame vested Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi two medals, “URUTI”, Rwanda’s National Liberation Medal, and “UMURINZI”, Rwanda’s Campaign Against Genocide Medal.
“This is a special time for Rwanda to celebrate achievements and recommit to build a new and better future,” Minister of Information Louise Mushikiwabo, told The New Times.
“This seemed like the right time to honor those who have in one way or another contributed to our liberation. We are thankful for their countries and their citizens for having supported Rwanda’s cause. They have been there when Rwanda needed them.”
This will mark the first time medals will be awarded to foreign dignitaries for their support to Rwanda’s liberation struggle.
In 1994, as genocide ravaged Rwanda, Ethiopia sent soldiers to contribute to establishing peace.
In 1998, through the UN, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi strongly supported the establishment of the OAU panel of Eminent Persons that investigated and documented the Genocide of the Tutsi in Rwanda. He is also believed to have been a strong ally of the RPF cause.
The Rwandan Genocide was the 1994 mass killing of hundreds of thousands of Rwanda’s Tutsis and Hutu political moderates by Hutus under the Hutu Power ideology.
(ST)