A minute of silence was observed on April 7 across Rwanda as the country held a memorial ceremony to mourn over one million innocent lives lost in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This year marks the 30th anniversary since the horrific events that shook the world and left a scar on the hearts of every Rwandan.
On April 7, 1994, a dark cloud descended upon Rwanda as ethnic tensions between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority reached a boiling point. The assassination of the then President, Juvenal Habyarimana, sparked a wave of violence and hatred towards the Tutsi community. For 100 days, the country was engulfed in barbaric acts of brutality, leaving a trail of death and destruction. Men, women, and children were mercilessly slaughtered, and many became refugees in their own country.
As we gather today in remembrance, our hearts continue to ache for the victims and their families. They were our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers, our friends and neighbors. We cannot imagine the pain and suffering they endured, and the trauma that still lingers in those who survived. But through this commemoration, we honor their memory and vow to never forget the atrocities that occurred.
The Rwandan government, led by President Paul Kagame, has made it a priority to ensure that the victims of the genocide are never forgotten and that their legacy lives on. The annual memorial ceremony is a testament to this commitment. It serves as a time for reflection, healing, and unity as we come together to pay tribute to those we lost.
This year, the 30th anniversary of the genocide, the theme of the commemoration is “Remember, Unite, Renew.” It is a call to action for all Rwandans to remember the past, unite as a nation, and renew our commitment to building a better future for our country. It is a reminder that we must never let the divisions of the past resurface and that we must work together to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
The memorial ceremony was attended by government officials, foreign dignitaries, and survivors of the genocide. President Kagame, in his address, emphasized the importance of remembering the victims and honoring their memory. He stated, “We must always remember the victims of the genocide and strive to ensure their legacy lives on. They were taken from us too soon, but their light will continue to shine through the values of unity and reconciliation that we hold dear.”
The ceremony also highlighted the progress Rwanda has made in the past 30 years. From a country torn apart by ethnic division and violence, Rwanda has emerged as a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience. Under the leadership of President Kagame, the country has focused on rebuilding and reconciliation, creating a society where all Rwandans can live together in peace and harmony.
The commemoration also saw the launch of a new campaign, “Kwibuka30”, which aims to engage the younger generation in remembering and learning from the events of the genocide. Through education and awareness, Rwanda is committed to ensuring that the youth understand the importance of unity, tolerance, and respect for all.
As we observe a minute of silence, let us also take a moment to reflect on how far we have come as a nation. We have made great strides in rebuilding our country, but we must not become complacent. We must continue to work towards a better future for all Rwandans, one that is built on the foundation of unity, reconciliation, and progress.
Today, as we honor the memory of those we lost, let us also remember the resilience and strength of the survivors. Their stories of courage and forgiveness are a testament to the human spirit and serve as an inspiration to us all. Together, let us unite as a nation to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.
In conclusion, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, our hearts are heavy with grief and sorrow. However, through this commemoration, we also find hope and strength to continue on our journey towards a better tomorrow. Let us remember, unite, and renew our commitment to building a brighter future for Rwanda.
