Rwanda Commemorates the 29th Anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi

Today marks 29 years since the civil war that led to the death of over 1 million people in Rwanda.

Rwanda President Paul Kagame

The nation is standing together using the theme Kwibuka 29: Remember, Unite, Renew. Kwibuka is a Rwandese word that means “To Remember.” This year is about remembering those who lost their lives in the war and uniting the country for current and future peace.

In a commemoration ceremony held at the country’s Capital Kigali, President Paul Kagame said that Rwanda has moved forward from grieving, but the memories of those who lost their lives are still fresh.

“It is very clear that wounds are still deep, but Rwandans, I thank all of you for refusing to be defined by this tragic history,” the President said in his address.

In resonance to the theme of this year’s anniversary, Kagame said that it is now time for Rwandan men and women to unite and coexist in harmony, noting that the country has made great steps of transformation since the genocide of 1994.

The President further reiterated that it is only through unity, hard work, and perseverance that they can overcome the challenges together as a nation.

“We will, forever though, be very grateful to those friends and partners who stood by our side and some continue to do so in the search for justice as well as development,” he added.

In a video recording to the people of Rwanda, the United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres said that the 29th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994 is a reminder of how hate speech can easily turn to hate crime. He warned the world to be careful with what they say and avoid all forms of intolerance in order to foster world peace.

“29 years since the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, we must never forget how easily hate speech turns to hate crime. Let us be ever vigilant – and always ready to act,” he said.

Arsenal Football Club also recorded a sentimental video in commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The video, which was distributed through social media, begins with the lighting of a candle, followed by comments from three members of the squad.

Emille Smith-Rowe begins by lighting a candle and gives a pretext of the commemoration by translating the theme of this year’s anniversary. That is followed by comments from Fabio Vierra who said, “Each year we stand together with Rwanda to remember the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.”

“To honor the memory of more than one million lives lost,” continued Jorginho.

“And to pay tribute to the courage and strength of the survivors,” ESR added.

Arsenal notes that 29 years after, Rwanda is a beacon of resilience, transformation, and a testament of enduring spirit of humanity.

Visit Rwanda is Arsenal’s official Tourism Partner and the club’s shirt sleeve partner.

Between April 7 and July of 1994, Tutsis were attacked and many of them were massacred by armed militants from the Hutu tribe. As a result, more than one million people died.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *