The Rwandan community that work for UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur(UNAMID) was joined by friends and Sudanese living in El- Fasher in 20th commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi. The commemoration took place on 7th April 2014, El- Fasher, Sudan.
The UNAMID Force Chief of Staff Brig Gen Norbert KALIMBA who spoke on behalf of Rwandan community in Sudan told participants that “Although the UN at that time failed to halt the genocide, Rwandans stopped it and continue to make their country strong”.
He also urged all participants especially peacekeepers not to allow genocide acts anymore.
The UNAMID Deputy Force Commander Maj Gen Balla Keita who represented the UNAMID leadership, commended Rwandans for their unity and reconciliation after 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
He also commended Rwandans who stopped the genocide,“although we commemorate the victims of genocide we also celebrate and commend those who stopped the genocide”, said Gen Keita.
The Rwanda Chargé d’Affaires in Rwanda Embassy in Sudan, Khartoum, Mr. Shyaka Kajugiro Ismail said that “commemorating the genocide against the Tutsi is aimed at remembering innocent people who perished, so that we can build a society which will never repeat this sad history. As Rwandans we are dedicated to unite and renew ourselves”, said Mr. Shyaka. He further challenged international community which failed in times when Rwanda most needed them and said they should now appreciate the quick recovery the country has undergone during these past 20 years.
Commemoration also held in Zalingei, Central Darfur.
The ceremony started with a 1 Km “Walk to remember” where government of Sudan delegation led by Sudanese Armed Force 21 Division Commander, UNAMID Staff, Togo and Nigeria Police Formed Units joined Rwanda peacekeepers (Rwanbatt 38) officers and men.
In different remarks made by Rwanbatt 38 Commanding Officer, Lt Col FM Rwanyamugabo, 21 Division commander and UNAMID Head of Office Central Darfur, Mr Kawichi Lamek, they emphasized that what happened in Rwanda was preventable.
They said that Rwandans and the world should stand up with a slogan ’’Never again” either in Rwanda or elsewhere in the world.
Maj Gen Balla Keita, UNAMID Deputy Force Commander.
Brig Gen N Kalimba delivering his speech.
Mr Shyaka Kajugiro delivering his speech.
Walk to remember in Zalingei, Central Darfur.
MOD
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