He was speaking at a commemoration event to honour victims of Genocide against the Tutsi organized by Rwandans living in Poland.
The event held in Warsaw on Monday 8th May 2023, was also attended by officials from the country members of the diplomatic corps and friends of Rwanda.
In his message, Amb. Shyaka extended solace to all survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi and commended gathered mourners for their solidarity to join Rwandans during the commemoration event to honour slain victims.
After stopping the Genocide that lasted for 100 days, RPF Inkotanyi under the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame has promoted unity and reconciliation and built a prosperous nation from ashes.
“29 years have passed since the Genocide against the Tutsi. In spite of this tragic history, Rwandans have managed to turn the page and move forward from grieving, towards a united and prosperous nation,” stated Amb. Shyaka.
“Today, 70% of the total population of Rwanda is comprised of a youthful generation born after 1994. Almost all of these young compatriots living here in Poland are in this category. They are a privileged and proud generation. They make us confident in a bright future,” he added.
Risen from ashes in 1994, Amb. Shyaka underscored, Rwanda is among the top three United Nations (UN) peace contributing countries globally, one of the safest countries in Africa, fast growing economy, ranked among the best countries to do business among others.
He reminded participants that Genocide against the Tutsi was a product of bad politics noting that Rwanda’s transformation is a product of good politics engendered by a visionary and transformational leadership of President Kagame and the policy of post-genocide government to embrace National Unity and Reconciliation despite the scars left by the Genocide.
“It wasn’t easy but it was imperative. It necessitated leadership and resilience. Rwandans were ready for both. And we still are,” he noted.
Commenting on the essence of remembrance; Amb. Shyaka highlighted it is a profound duty to keep the eternal flame of loved ones glowing for the next generations and preserve memory for the meaning of ‘Never Again’.
“As people, we Unite to restore our dignity and take our destiny in our hands as one people, built on Ndi Umunyarwanda [I am Rwandan] to deconstruct the root causes of Genocide. We Renew to ensure prosperity and security for our country, our people and our future generations,” he noted.
“Rwanda’s commitment to remembrance is imperative. Our determination for Unity is unshakeable and our resolve for Renewal and Dignity- AGACIRO- is unstoppable,” added Amb. Shyaka.
As he said, Rwanda has about a 1000 arrest and indictments warrants issued against perpetrators of the Genocide against the Tutsi, where majority of the fugitives are still at large in capitals in Europe, Africa and America.
Amb. Shyaka commended countries that have taken bold steps to bring Genocide fugitives to justice and urged others to follow the suit.
Polish Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Pawel Jablonski said his country also experienced crimes against humanity and expressed solidarity with Rwandans as they commemorate Genocide against the Tutsi for the 29th time.
“We experienced this in our past and we know very well what it means to be the victim of genocide, what it means to rebuild a nation and still the process of reconciliation is ongoing because there is no true reconciliation without compensation and forgiveness,” he said.
“In solidarity with the people of Rwanda, we express gratitude to all those that work relentlessly to ensure that such Genocide never happens again,” added Jablonski.
Also present was Father Stanislaw, a priest recognized as social pact protector (Umurinzi w’Igihango).
Amb. Shyaka commended him for having protected hundreds of people in his parish of Ruhango District during Genocide against the Tutsi and described him as the best ambassador of humanism.
Leave a Reply