As Rwanda began the 29th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi on 7th April 2023, different countries , individuals and international organizations joined Rwandans to honour slain victims.
The Genocide against the Tutsi which lasted for 100 days left over 1 million victims killed over their innate personality.
The messages mainly revolved around standing in solidarity with Rwandans , and reaffirming commitment to prevent reoccurrence of the dark history.
This article focuses on various messages shared by foreigners who joined Rwanda to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi for the 29th time.
UN raised a call to action against hate speeches
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has reminded the world not to forget what happened and ensure future generations always remember.
In his commemorative message on the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, Guterres mourned the lives lost and paid tribute to the resilience of the survivors.
He recognized the journey of the Rwandan people towards healing, restoration, and reconciliation, while also acknowledging the failure of the international community to prevent such atrocities.
“A generation since the Genocide, we must never forget what happened – and ensure future generations always remember,” said Guterres. He also highlighted how easily hate speech – a key indicator of the risk of genocide – turns to hate crime and how “complacency in the face of atrocity is complicity.”
The prevention of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other serious violations of international law is a shared responsibility and a “core duty” of every member of the United Nations, according to Guterres. He stressed the need for all nations to stand firm against rising intolerance, be ever vigilant, and always ready to act.
Commonwealth shared a message of comfort
The Secretary-General of Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland has paid tribute to victims of Genocide against the Tutsi highlighting that people should draw lessons from what happened to build durable peace.
“Today we commemorate the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda and pay tribute to those who lost their lives and those who suffered. Today is a reminder of our collective responsibilities towards fostering lasting and sustainable peace,” she tweeted.
“We commend Commonwealth Chair-in-Office President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and his Government for their work towards rebuilding and unifying Rwanda,” adds the message posted on Twitter on 7th April.
The European Union Ambassador to Rwanda, Belen Calvo Uyarra also highklighted that the 29th commemoration is a moment to honour victims of Genocide against the Tutsi and reflecting on Rwandans’ courage with regards to forgiveness, reconciliation, unity and building a prosperous nation from ashes.
Turkey’s message
As Rwanda commemorates the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi for the 29th time, Turkey also stood in solidarity with Rwandans.
“We sincerely share the pain of the friendly state and people of Rwanda. We commend that Rwanda was able to reestablish its social peace by healing the wounds of this atrocity. We wish that peace, stability and prosperity achieved through this process will be lasting,” reads part of Turkey’s statement.
“Turkey opposes all kinds of crimes against humanity, racism, xenophobia and extremist ideology and will continue to fight resolutely for preventing the reoccurrence of similar sufferings in the future,” adds the statement.
Ugandan journalist, Andrew Mwenda has also sent a message of comfort to Rwandans.
The British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Omar Daair also said that he stands in solidarity with Rwandans noting that his thoughts are with the victims and survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He saluted the courage of survivors to strive for resilience and called on the world to prevent reoccurrence of the dark history.
A parliamentarian in Canada, Kayabaga was among participants of the ceremony that marked the beginning of 100 days of mourning in commemoration of victims killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He said that the youth needs to consolidate gains and uphold Rwanda’s unity and resilience.
The Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, also announced that a genocide memorial is set to be built in Paris to honour victims of Genocide against the Tutsi.
She said that commemoration activities will continue to pay homage to Genocide victims and stand in solidarity with Rwandans in general.
French Ambassador to Rwanda, Antoine Anfré also joined Rwanda to commemorate for the 29th time and underscored that his country will strive to depict the truth on Genocide history.
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said that the AU joins Rwanda to commemorate Genocide against the Tutsi every year.
He highlighted that remembering is a moment to honour slain victims, stand in solidarity with survivors, prevent genocide ideology and hate speeches.
