World leaders have joined the President, Paul Kagame and the Rwandan people for the commemoration of 30 years of genocide against Tutsi happened in 1994 while honouring the memory of over million lives that were killed.
Starting a week-long period of mourning and 100 days of commemoration, the President and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, alongside visiting Heads of State and Government, laid wreaths, light the Flame of Remembrance in honor of over one million lives lost during the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi at Kigali Memoral.
The visiting leaders consists, the Israeli President Isaac Herzog, President Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, Ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, Andrew Mitchell, UK Minister of State for Development and Africa among others.
In his speech at the event, Kagame said countless Rwandans resisted the call to genocide but paid the ultimate price for that courage, their memory are honoured, adding that the journey has been long and tough but Rwanda was completely humbled by the magnitude of its loss, and the lessons learned are engraved in blood.
Rwandan leader pressed further that the tremendous progress of his country is plain to see, and it is the result of the choices the people made together to resurrect the nation. “The foundation of everything is unity. That was the first choice: to believe in the idea of a reunited Rwanda, and live accordingly.
“The second choice was to reverse the arrow of accountability, which used to point outwards, beyond our borders. Now, we are accountable to each other, above all. Most importantly, we chose to think beyond the horizon of tragedy, and become a people with a future.
“Today, we also feel a particular gratitude to all the friends and representatives here with us from around the world. We are deeply honoured by your presence alongside us on this very heavy day. The contributions you have made to Rwanda’s rebirth enormous, and have helped us to stand where we are now.
He recognized Uganda, who carried the burden of Rwanda’s internal problems for so many years, and was even blamed for that. “The leadership and the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea helped us in starting to rebuild at that time. In fact, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who even served as a young peacekeeper in the immediate aftermath of the genocide.
“Kenya, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo hosted large numbers of Rwandan refugees, and gave them a home. Tanzania did as well, also played a unique role at many critical points, including hosting and facilitating the Arusha peace process. And here I must single out the late President Julius Nyerere who embodied the spirit which laid that foundation.
The Republic of Congo has been a productive partner in rebuilding, and many of the countries represented here today also sent their sons and daughters to serve as peacekeepers in Rwanda. Those soldiers did not fail Rwanda; it international community which failed all of us, whether from contempt or cowardice”, he said.
In a statement issued to mark 30 years since the beginning of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said, “On this occasion, we stand with the people of Rwanda to honour victims and the survivors of this genocide. Our thoughts go to their families, their loved ones, and all survivors who continue to live with the trauma.
He said, “To those survivors who have chosen to make Canada their home, we stand with you always, especially throughout this painful period of commemoration.
“In the decades since this tragedy, the people of Rwanda have shown incredible courage, taken important steps to foster reconciliation and rebuild their country. Canada is a proud partner in this ongoing process. We reaffirm our support to Rwanda as it advances its development.
“Today, we also pay tribute to the United Nations peacekeeping force, which included a small number of Canadians and was led by Major-General Roméo Dallaire, facing extremely challenging circumstances to help those seeking refuge. Their service, which saved many innocent lives, will always be remembered.
“What happened in Rwanda in 1994 is a painful reminder of how hateful ideologies can lead to extremist violence. As we mark Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month this April, invite Canadians to join in commemorating the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and all victims of genocide around the world.
“By confronting these painful truths and standing up against hate, we can ensure such atrocities are never repeated. Together, let us reflect on how we can foster a better, more inclusive, and more peaceful world for future generations”, the Prime Minister said.
United States Agency of International Development (USAID) Administrator, Samantha Power said in a statement that the strength the Rwandan people have shown in the face of their unimaginable losses is nothing less than extraordinary.
She added, “As Kwibuka 30 begins, we at USAID stand with them. And we redouble our commitment to promote the human rights of all people everywhere. Rwanda solemnly remembers the genocide with a 100-day period known as Kwibuka, or ‘remember’ in Kinyarwanda”.
History has it that during the genocide, the Interahamwe and Impuzamugambi raped and murdered Tutsis across Rwanda, as well as Hutus, Twa, and others who opposed or refused to participate in the atrocities.
The 30th commemoration which will hold for 100 days with the unification of dignitaries, including heads of states, cabinet members, diplomats, international organisations, Genocide survivors, and the youth.