This year, Rwanda marks the 23rd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Themed “Remember the Genocide against the Tutsi – Fight Genocide Ideology – Build on Our Progress”, this year’s Commemoration will be an occasion for Rwandans from all walks of life to pay tribute to the more than million innocent lives lost.
Today’s events will be held at national and village levels to kick off the National Mourning Week. Throughout the week, Rwandans throughout the country will reiterate their commitment to fight genocide ideology and reflect on the country’s journey of unity and reconciliation in the last 23 years. The Mourning Week will be concluded on April 13, 2017 with an event to pay respect to politicians killed for opposing the inhumane activities of the genocidal government.
In the 100 days of the Commemoration period, Rwandans and friends of Rwanda will hold discussions on how best to encourage and ensure the current progress in socio-economic growth for the people of Rwanda. Good governance is considered a main pillar in the fight against genocide ideology.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide, Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana has said that, “The Genocide against the Tutsi was an attempt to break down our potential and rip apart our unity. In 100 days we lost 1million friends, family members, neighbors, leaders and future leaders. To honor the memory of those lost, we will spend 100 days coming together. We will spend the rest of our lives fighting genocide ideology – with all the tools in our possession. Good governance, continued and sustainable growth and remembering our loved ones are our weapons of choice.”
The Genocide against the Tutsi began on April 7, 1994 and lasted 100 days. A research study commissioned by the Ministry of Local Government in 2000 concluded that an approximate total of 1,074,017 were killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
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