The Rwanda genocide remains one of the darkest chapters in modern history. In 100 days between April and July 1994, over a million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed. More than 250 00 women were reportedly raped.
Marking the commemorations in Harare recently, the Ambassador of Rwanda to Zimbabwe, Mr James Musoni said the remembrances honours all who stood against the genocide and provides important lessons to all.
“The commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi is a global framework to honour the victims, comfort survivors, and pay tribute to Rwanda Patriotic Army led by H.E Paul Kagame that stopped the Genocide and liberated Rwanda.
“It provides an opportunity for Rwandans and global community to stand together and draw lessons from Rwanda’s tragic history with the goal of fighting genocide ideology, hate speeches and preventing future genocides around the world,” he said.
Ambassador Musoni saluted the people of Rwanda for emerging out of the dark chapter, a united force.
“As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi, we also celebrate 30 years of resilience, unity, and reconciliation with a whole new generation of Rwandans aspiring for a future free of hatred and built on the principles of a shared identity (NDI UMUNYARWANDA) that is committed to fight and prevent the resurgence of any form of hatred and divisive politics,” he said
Guest of Honour at the event, Mr Pearson Chigiji, Chief Director, Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade expressed Zimbabwe’s solidarity with the people of Rwanda and commended the unity that prevails in the country
“Our presence today, at this commemoration, is not only a demonstration of our solidarity with you and your country, Dear Ambassador, but this is also our way to express our admiration to your country’s visionary leadership under President Paul Kagame, in steering Rwanda towards national healing, reconciliation, peace, as well as inclusive and sustainable development.
Chigiji said: “It can only take extraordinary strength and will power to overcome such profound pain and loss,” adding that the world should shun the barbaric acts that began on 7 April, 1994.
He also commended the developments that have taken place in Rwanda since the genocide and the bilateral relations between Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
“After thirty years gone by, the great milestones that Rwanda has made are there for everyone to see. Rwandans have emerged from this genocide, a reunited and focused people who are grounded on the positive ethos of unity, tolerance, social cohesion, and inclusive development.
“As we commemorate this sad but important event on your calendar, it would be remiss not to reflect and express satisfaction at the level of bilateral cooperation that exists between our two countries. In particular, I wish to note that, in pursuit of deepening cooperation, several Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding have been signed to promote close cooperation in various economic, social, legal and political areas of mutual interest.”