Yesterday, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, the Defense and Military Spokesperson for the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), represented the RDF Chief of Defense Staff at a commemorative event held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
The ceremony was in honor of the late Captain Mbaye Diagne, a heroic peacekeeper who lost his life during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Captain Mbaye Diagne is remembered for his extraordinary bravery and dedication to saving lives amidst the horrific violence of the genocide.
Serving as a United Nations peacekeeper, Captain Diagne repeatedly risked his own life to rescue others, ultimately paying the ultimate price for his valor.
The ceremony, organized by the Embassy of Senegal in Kigali, saw attendance from Rwandan government officials, the UN Resident Coordinator, Captain Diagne’s widow, members of the diplomatic corps, family, and invited guests.
Brig. Gen. Rwivanga, in his remarks, highlighted the profound impact of Captain Diagne’s actions and the enduring legacy of his sacrifice. Captain Diagne’s courage and selflessness exemplify the highest ideals of peacekeeping. His memory inspires us all to strive for a better, more humane world, he noted.
The event included a moment of silence and the laying of wreaths to honor Captain Diagne’s memory.
Representatives from both the RDF and the Senegalese Embassy spoke of the deep ties between Rwanda and Senegal, forged in part through shared experiences and mutual respect for those who have laid down their lives for peace.
The commemoration serves as a poignant reminder of the individual acts of heroism that occurred during one of the darkest periods in Rwanda’s history.
Captain Diagne’s legacy continues to inspire peacekeepers and humanitarian workers worldwide.
