As the world commemorates the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Germany has publicly acknowledged its failure to intervene during the horrific events of 1994.
The German Foreign Office issued a statement expressing remorse over the international community’s inability to act swiftly and decisively to prevent the genocide that claimed over a million lives in about 100 days.
“Thirty years ago, during barely 100 days, hundreds of thousands of women, men, and children were killed by the then-government, Hutu militias like Interahamwe, and machete-wielding mobs during the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda,” the statement read.
“The genocide was possible because of the international community’s failure to act fast and decisively.”
The statement further highlighted the role of colonial powers, including Germany, in contributing to the artificial division between Hutu and Tutsi.
“Colonial powers bear responsibility for contributing to the artificial division between Hutu and Tutsi. This includes Germany, since Rwanda was part of German East Africa until 1918,” the Foreign Office acknowledged.
The acknowledgment comes as new mass graves are still being discovered in Rwanda today, underscoring the ongoing trauma and pain endured by survivors and their families.
The German Foreign Office expressed solidarity with the victims of the genocide and their families, emphasizing that their fate serves as a constant reminder for the world to never again look away from atrocities of such magnitude.
“Today, our thoughts are with the victims of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and their families,” the statement concluded. “Their fate is a constant reminder for us to never again look away.”
The German government’s acknowledgment of its failure to intervene during the Rwandan genocide marks a significant step towards accountability and reconciliation.
As the international community reflects on the tragic events of 1994, it is imperative to heed the lessons of history and redouble efforts to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future.
30 years ago, during barely 100 days, hundreds of thousands of women, men & children were killed by the then-government, Hutu-Militias like Interahamwe & machete-wielding mobs during the #Genocide against the Tutsi in #Rwanda. New mass graves are still being discovered today. 1/3
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) April 7, 2024
