This Monday , Rwanda will free doves into the sky as a symbol of peace as the capital Kigali hosts the International peace day celebrations under the theme; \u2018Partnerships for Peace \u2013 Dignity for all.\u2019<\/p>\n
In 1994, Rwanda was brought onto its knees following a genocide against ethnic Tutsi that claimed a million lives in just a hundred days; but the world looked on as such mayhem took place.<\/p>\n
For the past 21 years after the genocide, the country has reunited, built peace and contributed to peacekeeping missions around the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis country will never be the same again,\u201d President Paul Kagame said during the 21st commemoration of the genocide.<\/p>\n
Bishop Rucyahana President of the National Reconciliation Commission told KT Press; \u201cIt\u2019s a day for peace, but again a day of recognizing those exceptional individuals who sacrificed themselves to put Rwandan where it is today.\u201d<\/p>\n
The national unity and reconciliation commission says Rwanda was selected to host the day because of its unmatched level in restoring peace and security, 21 years after a devastating genocide.<\/p>\n
Rwanda maintains over 4500 uniformed men and women in different peacekeeping missions around the world.<\/p>\n
Ban Ki Moon the United Nations Secretary General, in honour of this day, calls for ceasefire and peace across conflict-stricken countries.<\/p>\n
\u201cI call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and observe a global ceasefire. To them I say: stop the killings and the destruction, and create space for lasting peace,\u201d Moon said.<\/p>\n
Bishop Rucyahana noted; \u201cWe are celebrating International peace day with a lot of excitement. In Rwanda, we have peace because we worked for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
A couple of activities have been organised, including a parliamentary session of 300 youth discussing their role in peace building.<\/p>\n
Later in the day, a \u2018Peace One Day Youth Celebration\u2019 will bring together 2,500 participants at Petit Stade Amahoro in Kigali, as well as a Peace Village that will feature exhibitions by partners in peace-building, according to Johnson Mugaga, executive secretary of the national reconciliation commission.<\/p>\n
Also, international artistes are expected to grace the celebrations including; Nigeria\u2019s Ice Prince, Maurice Kirya and Lillian Mbabazi from Uganda, Mafikizolo from South Africa; Alikiba and Wangechi from Tanzania and Kenya, among others.<\/p>\n
KT Press<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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