Rwanda launches new flag, anthem

The Rwandan government is unveiling a new flag and national anthem on Monday as part of its continuing drive to promote national unity and reconciliation following the 1994 genocide.

The new anthem will refer to the Rwandans as one people, rather than Tutsi, Hutu and Twa.

The old anthem was adapted from a traditional folk tune 30 years ago, and a BBC correspondent in the region says many see it as glorifying the Hutu as they fought to throw off Tutsi oppression.

She says the government wants the new flag to represent Rwandan national unity, respect for work, heroism and confidence in the future, free of any echoes of the 1994 killings.

More than half a million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in the genocide.

Both the flag and anthem have been selected after a nationwide competition.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service