President Paul Kagame on Friday led Rwandans in commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which claimed more than a million lives.
“Today we gather to honour the continued sacrifice of survivors and remember those targeted and killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi because of who they were,” President Kagame said.
President Kagame and First Lady Rwanda also lit the Flame of Remembrance that will burn bright at Kigali Genocide Memorial for 100 days in remembrance of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The flame of remembrance symbolises the courage and resilience of Rwandans over the past 29 years.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the final resting place of more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi have been.
President Kagame and the First Lady laid a wreath on the burial place at Kigali Memorial to honour victims killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
During the commemoration, Eric Mwizerwa, a survivor shared horrors he endured during the Genocide against the Tutsi and his journey towards healing and resilience.
President Kagame said, “It’s very clear that the wounds are still deep but Rwandans, I thank all of you, for refusing to be defined by this tragic history. People have been ready, have been willing to do the most difficult thing, one or the other. They have decided to forgive, but we can’t forget.”
“We have strength, incredible strength coming from this history that informs us, that tells us that we should never, never, allow anybody else to dictate to you how you live your life,” added President Kagame.
The President noted, “The truth of the matter is – what has always been said: You can run, but can’t hide, there is no hiding place for you from these very facts of our history. People have been ready, have been willing to do the most difficult thing. They have decided to forgive, but we can’t forget.”
He also said, “There is nothing Rwandans cannot overcome through unity, hard-work and perseverance.”
In his remarks, Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement thanked President Kagame for leading the Rwanda Patriotic Army rebels that single handedly stopped the genocide while the international community looked on without giving any help.
“Your Excellency President of the Republic, Rwandans thank you for stopping the Genocide, comforting survivors, reviving hope and life for Rwanda,” said Dr.Bizimana.
Dr.Bizimana also warned, “Those who are bound by the ideology of genocide should let it go and join Rwandans in their choice to be one, looking far and choosing what is right for them.”
The 29th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi held at Kigali Genocide Memorial was also attended by government officials, guests including Dean of Diplomatic Corps in Rwanda and survivors representatives.
