Category: Diaspora

{{Rwandans in South Africa, gathered to mark the 20th commemoration of the Genocide against Tutsi that claimed over a million lives.

The commemoration even was held May 4th at the Holocaust centre in Cape town/ South Africa.}}

The ceremony was organised by the Rwandan community in Cape Town led by Kajabo Ernest with the support from the Rwandan High Commission and the Holocaust Centre.

A sombre ceremony of remembrance was attended by 230 people among them 80% Rwandans, Members of the Jewish Community, East Africans and South Africans.

Mr Freedman Richard the Director of the Holocaust centre made the welcome remarks encouraging Rwandans to remember but forgive and reunite.

An elaborate key note speech was made by Dr Tim Murithi the Head of Justice and Reconciliation program in the Cape Town based Institute of Justice and reconciliation.

He developed the concept of Genocide and lack of Humanity in countries then elaborated on justice and reconciliation through different tools such as truth and reconciliation in post apartheid South Africa and Gacaca in post genocide Rwanda.

He regretted that Never Again did not work for Rwanda and highlighted ongoing crisis in Africa and the world.

In his official remarks HE Vincent Karega explained the content of the Kwibuka20 theme and called upon banyarwanda to understand their duty and responsibility to be relevant and united in rebuilding their nation and do away with genocide ideology and opportunistic politics and unnecessary dissident acts.

He highlighted the progress achieved in Rwanda at all levels since 20years and urged everyone to look at the big picture beyond personal grievances of the past.

Kwibuka poems and a short DVD were exhibited and contributed to raise more awareness on Rwanda past, present and its future perspectives.

{{Rwandans in Turkey gathered to mark the 20th commemoration of the Genocide against ethnic Tutsi in Rwanda which claimed over a million lives.}}

The commemoration event organised by the Rwandan embassy in Turkey, was held on April 29th at Gazi University in Ankara.

Present at the event included Rwandan Embassy officials, Turkish government officials, diplomats accredited to the Republic of Turkey, members of academia, Rwandan students community, businesspeople, media and ordinary Turkish people coming together to honour victims of the Genocide.

During the commemoration event, several speakers presented on Rwanda’s history and commended the tremendous recovery and the current development of Rwanda after the tragedy of 1994 under the theme ‘Remember – Unite – Renew.

According to Rwanda’s envoy to Turkey Caesar Kayizari; Remembrance, Unity and a shared future is for every Rwandan and this has enabled all Rwandans to live and work together in dignity.

“Remembrance and unity provide a preventative weapon against violence and denial. Truth lights the ways from darkness, bringing clarity and positive visions for the future’ affirmed the Rwandan,” he said.

Ambassador Kayizari said 20 years later after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Unity and reconciliation have been key elements in a quick reclamation of Rwanda.

“Since 1994, Rwanda has been moving forward in development at all levels to ensure that the country recovers fully from the destructions caused by the Genocide in both human and material resources. Rwanda has emerged stronger from this tragedy. It is in the dignity and serenity that invite us to commemorate the Genocide,” He said.

Ambassador Kayizari noted; “Today, Rwanda has a voice on the international stage and enjoys respect among the nations of the world. All Rwandans now have a sense of pride and dignity in being Rwandan. This is mainly because Rwanda is today a country that is based on sound principles such as promoting national unity and education for all, giving Rwandans equal rights and opportunities, power-sharing, building democracy based on different ideas and opinions and the right of choice, the rule of law, and a firm development vision that has enabled Rwanda to be where it is now as good progress continue to be made in all key areas of development.”

He added, “We owe all these developments to the good leadership and good governance that has taken root in our country. Through decentralisation, services have been brought closer to the people. Rwandans have a bigger role in choosing their own leaders and a say in programmes intended for them.”

{{The African New Life Children’s choir from Rwanda participated today in the International Festival of Faith and Culture.}}

The festival held in York, UK, is an annual event that celebrates faith and culture; showcasing cultural dances, fashion and many form of musical expression from local faith and cultural groups.

The children’s choir, which consists of 15 children aged 11 to 15 years, is currently on a short fundraising tour in the UK and will be performing in Sheffield at the Rock Christian Centre on their last stop.

This is the first time any of the children has left Rwanda and were very excited to be in the United Kingdom.

The group’s performance prompted a big round of applause from their audience as they sang and danced to both Kinyarwanda and English worship songs, their performance was one of many pieces of entertainment and activities to take place during the festival; The audience were also treated to song and dance from Indonesia, India, China and several other countries.

The festival which was attended and supported by a representative from the Rwanda High Commission in the UK is organised by the City of York Council in partnership with York St. John University and the York City Council’s City of Faiths group is an initiative which brings together an number of different faith groups in York..

In attendance at the event were senior local Government leaders including the Lord Mayor of York, City of York Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods Sally Burns.

{{The Rwandan Community in Botswana on Saturday April 26 marked the 20th commemoration of the genocide against ethnic Tutsi that claimed over a million lives.}}

Ambassador Vincent Karega officiated at the kwibuka 20 commemoration organised by the Rwandan community based in Botswana.

The commemoration event was also attended by Diplomats, Academia and officials from Botswana Government and over 90 people.

Professor Boloane from Botswana university highlighted historical facts most related to colonial times making the root causes of discrimination and demonisation that led to genocide ideology.

Both the Chairperson Cheikh Hassan of the Rwandan community and HE Karega emphasized the theme and the necessity to remember but also work hard for a better future.

The representative of Botswana Government Mr Kelapile, Africa Director in International relations ministry concluded in line with the never again elsewhere and expressed Botswana encouragements for Rwanda progress after the heinous genocide.

The ceremony was quite educating for many as testimonies and films on genocide helped to understand what exactly happened in the genocide and the reconciliation process. He pledged Botswana partnership with Rwanda where appropriate.

{{United Nation Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Force Commander, Lt Gen Paul Ignace Mella on 13th April 2014 visited a Rwandan Battalion (Rwanbatt38) deployed in Zalingei, Sector West of Darfur, Sudan. }}

He was accompanied by the Deputy Force Commander Maj Gen Bella Keita, the Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Dr Norbert Kalimba and sector commanders.

The UNAMID leaders were received by Rwanbatt38 Commanding Officer Lt Col F Rwanyamugabo and further met with the troops.

Lt Gen Paul Ignace Mella commended Rwanbatt 38 on the invaluable work they have done ever since arriving in the mission area. He called upon them to uphold the exemplary discipline and strong work ethic that they have always exhibited.

The Force Commander assured the contingent that he and the world join Rwandans in the 20th commemoration of genocide against Tutsi.

Brig Gen Dr Norbert Kalimba, UNAMID Chief of Staff thanked Rwanbatt38 on the good job and called upon them to maintain vigilance.

Rwanda maintains about more than five thousand peacekeepers deployed in UN/AU peacekeeping missions including in Darfur (Sudan), South Sudan and Central African Republic.

{{UNAMID Force Commander, Gen Mella in a meeting with Rwanbatt38}}

MOD

{{Rwandans and friends of Rwandans living in Nigeria gathered to mark the 20th commemoration of Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda.

The 1994 Genocide against ethnic Tutsi in Rwanda left over a million dead.

The Kwibuka20 held in Abuja Nigeria, on 13th April 2014 was attended by 21 Heads of mission (Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Rwandans living in Abuja, and friends of Rwanda. Journalists from different Nigerian media institutions.

Below is a full speech by Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, HE Joseph Habineza.
}}

{Excellencies the Ambassadors, High Commissioners,
members of diplomatic corps,
Gentlemen of the Press,

Friends of Rwanda and my fellow Rwandans
Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen,

Please let’s observe one minute of silence remembering all these waisted lives during
the 1994 genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda

Let me express my appreciation to all of you who joined us tonight for the 20th
commemoration of the genocide against Tutsi that happened in Rwanda in 1994.
Actually Rwanda and the whole world observes 7th April as the official day to
remember the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, but in Rwanda we observe a whole
mourning week from April 7th to April 13th.

On April 13th we commemorate the top politicians who were killed during the
genocide.

20 years have passed and a lot have happened. We have to remember the victims,
console the survivals and make a commitment to Never Again. That’s why our theme
is Remember, Unite, Renew.

20 years ago, 1,074, 017 lives were waisted in 100 days, meaning on average 10,
740 people being killed every day, 448 every hour and 7 every minute.

A whole country became a killing field where innocent people were being haunted by their neighbors just for the simple fact of being Tutsi, related to them or being against the rulers of then ideology.

Till today people are wondering what are the causes of this tragedy!? A genocide never happen spontaneously, it’s planned, prepared, taught and executed.

The ideology takes time to mature, that’s why in the Rwandan case, we have to look at its roots causes and the political ones. We can’t ignore or close our eyes on the role played by the catholic church missionary and the colonialist in destroying our traditions and culture!

The divide and rule strategy brought by the colonial masters divided the Rwandan
society but also the lack of vision, charisma and the selfishness of bad politicians
contributed a lot to this tragedy! Poverty and ignorance of the mass made the
situation worse.

When the killings started the world turned their back to Us, every country focusing
on his own internal problems, it’s only Nigeria, Czech, New Zealand and Spain
who were members of UN security council who tried to raise an alarm warning that
a genocide was happening in Rwanda.

The media didn’t report enough on what was happening in Rwanda as they were
busy covering news like the African Cup of Nation finale, the world cup, the death
of Formula one Champion Eryton Senna, …..

At the end of those 100 days of darkness, Rwanda was completely destroyed without
any hope for neither reconstruction nor reconciliation of her citizens. The so called
or self claimed “Africa Specialists” were proposing to divide the country into 2 parts
or to put the country under UN protectorate.

It took resilience, never die spirit of Rwandans to build a new Rwanda that
everybody is celebrating her achievements in doing business, ICT, health sector,
agriculture, women empowerment , good governance, security to mention a few.
As my President mentioned it in His speech on 7th April 2014 at Kigali, after the
genocide, we made three choices!

1. Stay united,
2. Being accountable,
3. Thinking big.
Going back to our culture and tradition, we adopted our values to help us overcome
challenges we were facing.

Gacaca helped in trial of genocide suspects, umuganda is helping in Unity and
development, ubudehe and girinka are helping in poverty alleviation, and many
more home grown solutions helped to restore unity among Rwandans.

We identify ourselves as “Umunyarwanda” and no longer as umuhutu, umututsi or Umutwa.Accountability to the community you serve is our motto! We are driven by Our
Dignity, {Agaciro} that demands us to deliver and out perform in whatever we do.

I hereby express my gratitude to all our development partners who assisted and
continue to support Rwanda in her economic and social transformation!

The lessons that the world should learn from our tragedy are many and I essentially
implore my brothers and friends Nigerians to take notes:

– Nobody is born a Killer, manipulation, brain washing and bad leadership lead to
genocide! I indulge the politicians of this country to put the country and Nigerians
first than their own interest.

Those who are backing terrorist groups should think twice as you know when you start those activities but you never know when and how it will end.

– why should people die due to their religion ? After all Islam nor Christianity is not
a Nigerian invention! Focus on the 90 percent you have in common than the adopted
small difference you have.

In Rwanda, we say “Akimuhana kaza imvura ihise” meaning an external help or aid
comes after rain has stopped” and I think our wise ancestors had foreseen what will
happen in 1994!

The international community abandoned us during genocide but came back when there was peace, there is another say that “Usenya Urwe umutiza umuhoro” meaning that when somebody is destroying his shelter you lend him a machete” so my dear brothers and sisters of this great nation Nigeria, you should solve your own problems using dialogue and putting the national interest first than individual ones.

For my fellow Africans,We have to think and act big, we think that its time for
Africa to take responsibility of our destiny and not wait for outsiders to come and
solve our problems!

The Rwandan experience should teach us to understand the world and know that in
politics there is no permanent friendship but permanent interests!

We should not be
naive! Our natural and human ressources should benefit us and not threaten us
attracting civil wars, insurgencies and terrorism.

Once again thank you for having honored our invitation and God bless All of you

Thank you}

{{Rwandans living in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, local leaders and friends of Rwanda gathered to mark the 20th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi on April 12th 2014.}}

The event was held at Regina Victory Church from 2 pm to 6 pm, Regina time.
Speaking at the event, the president of Rwandese Community of Saskatchewan, Mr. Francois Regis Kabahizi, urged the public to always speak out in the face of the genocide, fight the evil and its forms, whenever it is on attack against the humanity.

He emphasized on the importance of remembrance as the only way to honour the victims and comfort the survivors, while taking the process of reflection, healing and progress.

Rwandan students at University of Regina performed solemn songs, poems in honour and memory of the victims and survivors.

{{Central African Republic Prime Minister, Hon Andre Nzapayeke and other Ministers joined Rwanda Mechanised Infantry Battalion (Rwamechbat1) deployed in AU peace mission in Bangui to end seven day national mourning in 20th Commemoration of genocide against Tutsi. }}

The ceremony took place on 13 April 2014 in SOCATEL MPOKO barracks, Bangui, where Rwandan peacekeepers have their headquarters.

Rwamechbat1 Commanding Officer, Lt Col J Paul Karangwa expressed gratitude to CAR Government and International Community Officials who stayed with Rwanda during the week long mourning period.

He particularly thanked Bangui citizens that attended day to day discussions organized by Rwandan peacekeepers in Bangui. Citizens in Bangui turned in big numbers reaching to an average of 400 people per day to attend discussions on genocide, organized by Rwandan peacekeepers in Bangui.

The citizens asked questions on how Rwanda Patriotic Army stopped the genocide, how Rwanda reconciled its people and how the country is rebuilding. They got explanations from the peacekeepers and watched films to get more clarifications.

While closing the mourning period, Prime Minister, Hon Andre Nzapayeke said that the 1994 genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda gives lessons to the World and particularly to the Central Africa Republic currently ravaged by ethnic and religious killings.

Prime Minister told the citizens that after watching films and attending discussions on background of genocide and its consequences and Rwanda rebuilding, this should give enough lessons to build peace.

“Machetes should be used in activities that give produce to the country and not for killing people” warned Prime Minister. He urged them to get experience on Rwanda that has privileged development, unity and reconciliation instead of hatred and conflict. “Rwanda has become a role model of development in Africa”, he said

Minister Nzapayeke thanked Rwanda Mechanized Infantry Battalion for achieving a lot on security in a short period they have now spent in Central African Republic.

“We want you to bring your experience and train our Armed Forces because we have no need to look for other foreign trainers when you are here and can do that” he said.

The Prime Minister hailed the courage of Rwandan soldiers, their discipline and professionalism and comforted those wounded in different military operations in CAR.

The ceremony was also attended by Minister of security, Mr Denis Wangao Kizimalet, Minister of defence, Gen Thomas Tchimangwa, Minister in presidency office, Mr Jean Jacques Demafouth, MISCA Force Commander, Brig Gen Martin Toumenta Chomu, AU and UN officials among others.

{{The Rwanda community in Chicago, Illinois, USA; and Africans and Friends Student Club of Truman College organized a Commemoration for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi on April 11 at Truman College.}}

Rwandans came from as far away as Columbus, Indiana; South Bend, Indiana; West LaFayette, Indiana; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Those Rwandans included Mr. Gaetan Gatete, the President of the Rwanda Diaspora in the United States and Presidential Scholars pursuing graduate education in the Midwest region of the United States.

Ms. Kendra Mutoni, officer of the Black Student Union of Harper College came with a delegation.

Diaspora from Tanzania and Uganda living in the Chicago land also attended. Ms. Monica Katsigazi Tindimubona, President of the Uganda Community in Greater Chicago attended with a delegation.

The Mistress of Ceremonies was Ms. Selomie H. Berhane, Secretary of the Truman College Africans and Friends Student Club.

Visitors were welcomed to Truman College by African and Friends Student Club faculty advisor, Dr. Anghesom Atsbaha and Assistant Dean of Students, Dr. Valshkia Dabney.

Mr. Arnold Romeo, Director of Advisory Council on Equity for the City of Chicago issued a proclamation on the behalf of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel.

The proclamation was received by Mrs. Clementine Butera Uwase on behalf of the Rwandan community in Chicago, and Africans and Friends Student Club.

To introduce those new to Rwanda the Kwibuka short film, “Remember, Unite, Renew” was shown.

Billy Graham Scholar, Pastor Emmanuel Ndolimana opened the Commemoration by reading Psalm 23 and leading in singing, “Mbeg’ Urukundo” with help from Sophia Jenkins, Franklin Livingstone, and David McKenzie.

Ms. Dary Mien, Executive Director of the Cambodian Association of Illinois shared her experience as a Genocide survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime.

She brought great empathy to the Commemoration, and strengthened resolve to prevent Genocide from happening again anywhere in the world.

Reverend Dr. Joseph Bocko of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and the Tanzania Community Association (Midwest) brought a message of condolences from Rwanda’s neighbors.

He spoke from his experience of visiting Rwanda 14 times.He affirmed Rwanda’s model of forgiveness and development.

Pastor Dave Jenkins apologized for the failings of America, churches in East Africa, and his own silence in 1994.

Mrs. Clementine Butera Uwase shared her testimony as a Genocide survivor who witnessed the killing of much of her family when she was eleven years old.

Ms. Annabella Uwineza also shared her testimony as a Genocide survivor. She narrated what it was like to lose the majority of her family at the age of four. Their Testimonials were followed by a minute of silence.

US-based Rwandan artiste, The Ben (Ben Mugisha), performed his new song, “I can See” while being accompanied by Truman College student, Petter Boateng.
Twenty candles were lit by students in remembrance of the victims 20 years ago. Skyler Steele read an inspirational poem.

Rwanda Embassy to the United States Second Counselor, Mr. Fidelis Mironko spoke. He articulated Rwanda’s history, affirmed the current development of Rwanda, and communicated a hopeful vision for the future.

The closing Vote of Thanks and prayer was made by Mr. Marcel Urayeneza.
The event was very well attended by both the Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda. Many remarked they had never before had such an experience.

Words like “meaningful,” “unforgettable,” “beautiful,” and “dignified” characterized the attendee’s experience.

The Kwibuka 20 themes of “Remember,” “Unite,” and “Renew” will be enduring themes of Chicago Commemoration of the Rwanda Genocide Against the Tutsi.

{{Over 700 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda marked the 20th Anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi at a sombre ceremony in Birmingham, West Midland, on 12th April 2014.}}

The gathering was joined by the Hon. Eric Pickles, Secretary for Communities, representing the UK government at the function. Also present were Hon. Andrew Mitchell and Hon. Jeremy Lefroy, members of the diplomatic community and local council representatives.

Speaking at the event, both Hon. Pickles and Mitchell hailed Rwandans and their leadership for an extraordinary journey of recovery and reconstruction over the last two decades.

Hon. Mitchell noted that the world have a lot of lessons to learn from Rwanda, not only its successful process of reconciliation, but also the country’s commitment to the concept of the Responsibility to Protect, noting that it is not lost to the world that Rwanda was the first country to commit and deploy troops in Darfur while the wider world was still dithering in indecision.

The participants who came from over 12 cities in UK witnessed an exhibition on the 1994 genocide and participated in a work on the Kwibuka20 theme: Remember. Unite. Remember in the morning.

They then joined in the sombre commemoration ceremony in the afternoon and closed the day with a night vigil which ended at around 22h00 on 12th April 2014.

The participants heard moving testimonies from survivors, commemorative songs from Rwanda and British artists as well as reflections from different speakers.

A SURF representative speaking at the event commended the Rwandan Government for the work it has done in promoting reconciliation and assisting survivors, but lashed at the international community, and its failure to own up to its responsibility in supporting genocide survivors.

Going forward, the organization said it would focus its campaign efforts on getting the international community to pay reparations to survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

In his remarks at the ceremony, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to UK, His Excellency Williams Nkurunziza thanked participants for their coming to share in this sombre moment and to honor those that perished in the genocide.

He also observed that over the last two decades, the country has made a phenomenal recovery founded on the resilience of her people and support of genuine friends of Rwanda.

“In our journey, our leaders have insisted we must always be primary in putting our shoulder on the wheel of hope and breaking the first sweat. And we have. But we have also benefited from the support of our friends, and none has been greater than Great Britain,” he said.

The High Commissioner also noted that that the best way to honor those who perished is to ensure that those that committed genocide are held to account.

“It is pointless to remember without taking responsibility. To do so would be to dance on the graves of those who perished on our watch,” he said, and added:

“We dishonor their memory and compromise our children’s future when we forget to hold accountable those who committed genocide. We dishonor their memory and sell short the dreams of a new generation when our belief in freedom of expression allows them space to fabricate and articulate a narrative of genocide denial.

We dishonor their memory and pervert the very meaning of democracy when our commitment to political pluralism legitimizes the illegitimate aspirations of genocidaires, or pretend that terrorists with blood on their hands, in one country are freedom fighters in another.”

Ambassador Nkurunziza also challenged the international community to draws lessons from the Rwandan experience and work to ensure history does not repeat itself.

“In the spirit of the Responsibility to Protect – R2P- the world must do more to prevent the extreme inhumanity of man to his fellow men. The fear to engage in the face of a known and unfolding catastrophy is a betrayal of our common humanity.

Inaction is neither humane nor cheap. It costs lives, steals the dreams of our youths and astronomically escalates the burden of peace building,” he noted.

He then called on all Rwandans to head the President’s call “to be together; to be accountable, and to think big” as this is what has enabled up as to rise again as a nation.
“We heard the President’s call to all Rwandans to stay the course. And we must, for to do so is to honor those who perished, comfort survivors and secure our collective future,” he said.