Follow Us on Google
…As envoy says horrific event left enduring scar on nation’s collective memory
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Rwandan High Commission, Abuja, on Sunday evening, held a commemorative event to mark the 30th remembrance of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Speaking during the event, Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, said the horrific event left an enduring scar on the nation’s collective memory.
“Informed by the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew,” we honour the over one million innocent lives of Tutsi tragically lost; we celebrate the strength of survivors, and reaffirm Rwanda’s commitment to a future where such devastation will never again take hold,” Bazivamo said.
The Rwandan envoy further said the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi was not a sudden eruption, but the culmination of colonial manipulation that twisted social identities, and followed by bad governance regimes which fostered dangerous divisionism and ethnicity among Rwandans.
“This insidious ideology fuelled a meticulously planned campaign of extermination. Within 100 days, over one million lives of Tutsi were lost as too many in the global community failed to act.
“In remembering those we lost, we fulfil our sacred duty. We honour their lives by ensuring their stories are neither silenced nor distorted and their memories are never erased. In shared remembrance, we find strength and profound unity—a beacon of hope guiding us towards a world where the seeds of hatred cannot bear such bitter fruit,” Bazivamo also said.
The Rwandan envoy further said Rwanda’s path to healing and reconciliation has been long, yet transformative, drawing from the principle of home-grown solutions to unique challenges.
“The innovative Gacaca courts, which are community-based tribunals, played a pivotal role. Unlike traditional court systems, Gacaca extended beyond punishment, emphasizing confession, truth-telling, and community healing. Victims and perpetrators were empowered to voice their experiences, fostering a journey toward shared understanding. This approach, grounded in Rwandan tradition, was integral to rebuilding the nation’s social fabric.
“Rwanda’s rebirth under the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame is a testament to the power of right choices. At the heart of our progress lies unwavering unity, exemplified by our inclusive constitution and commitment to reconciliation; relentless accountability with effective anti-corruption measures; and a spirit of ambition that motivates us to think big. Furthermore, we’ve made technology a pillar of development, investing in ICT infrastructure and innovative solutions to enhance efficiency across various sectors. Indeed, we consider that development is inevitable where innovation is a culture.
“Rwanda’s journey has also been marked by incredible advancements in gender equality. With the world’s highest percentage of women in parliament, Rwanda proves that female leadership benefits all of society. This, combined with poverty reduction, education for all, and improved health care system, reflects a nation dedicated to building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Rwanda’s story is one of resilience and determination, proving that even from the darkest chapters, a nation can rise and craft its own extraordinary destiny,” the Rwandan envoy further said.
On its part, the United Nations recalled how onthat day in 1994, and for the nearly 100 days that followed, one million Tutsi children, women and men were killed by their fellow Rwandans.
The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, in an address commemorating the event which was read by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, said: “Families turned against families, friends became foes, and a dark spirit of intentional and brutal violence engulfed a nation.
“We will never forget the victims of this genocide. Nor will we ever forget the bravery and resilience of those who survived, whose courage and willingness to forgive remain a burst of light and hope amidst this dark chapter in human history.
“This year, we remind ourselves of genocide’s rancid root: hate.
“To those who would seek to divide us, we must deliver a clear, unequivocal and urgent message: never again.
“We can draw a straight line between the senseless slaughter of one million Tutsi — as well as some Hutu and others who opposed the genocide — and the decades of hate speech that preceded it, enflamed by ethnic tensions and the long shadow of colonialism.
“Today, around the world, the darkest impulses of humanity are being awakened once more by the voices of extremism, division and hate.
“On this solemn day of remembrance, let’s pledge to stand as one against all forms of hatred and discrimination.
“Let’s ensure that the acts that began on April 7, 1994 are never forgotten — and never repeated. Anywhere.”
