Rwandans in Mauritius Commemorate Genocide, 30 Yrs Remembered

The Rwandan community in Mauritius, along with esteemed guests and dignitaries, gathered at the African Leadership College (ALC) on Sunday, April 21 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The event, organized in partnership with the Rwanda High Commission, featured a ‘Walk of Remembrance’ to honor the victims and reflect on the lasting impact of one of history’s darkest moments.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Maneesh Gobin, Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade, Dr Nikesh Patel, Excellency Honorary Consul for the Republic of Rwanda in Mauritius, Didas Mungarurire, 1st Counsellor at the High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda in South Africa, and Veda Sunassee, CEO of the African Leadership University.

The main objective of the event was to pay tribute to the Genocide victims and to promote awareness and action to prevent future atrocities.

Participants took part in various activities including a walk to remember, singing the national anthem, observing a minute of silence, lighting candles of hope, sharing testimonials, musical performances, reading out the names of victims, and delivering messages of hope.

During his speech, Mungarurire emphasized the importance of reflecting on the tragic events that took over a million Tutsi lives in just a hundred days, urging the international community to take responsibility and prevent such atrocities from happening again.

He highlighted the significance of remembrance as an active commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity.

Mungarurire also acknowledged the strong bond between Mauritius and Rwanda, praising Minister Gobin for his presence at the ceremony and emphasizing the collective dedication to learning from the past to ensure a better future.

He commended Rwanda for transforming its pain into a purposeful mission, integrating the lessons of the Genocide into its national identity and educational system to empower future generations and prevent history from repeating itself.

During the commemoration event marking the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, speaker Didas Mungarurire emphasized the importance of rejecting hatred and division as crucial steps toward building a peaceful society.

He highlighted how education and remembrance play a significant role in safeguarding the truth and preventing genocide denial, stressing the need for accountability for perpetrators to ensure justice and lasting peace.

Mungarurire also emphasized the importance of global partnerships to combat impunity and promote reconciliation on a global scale.

In his address, Mungarurire directed his message towards the youth, calling them the architects of a future Rwanda defined by unity and peace.

He urged them to take on the responsibility of ensuring that the atrocities of the past are not repeated in the future, emphasizing the role they play in shaping a brighter and more peaceful tomorrow.

Closing his remarks, Mungarurire envisioned a world where justice prevails and peace becomes a tangible reality for all. He highlighted the power of unity in transforming the commitment of ‘never again’ from a hopeful mantra into a resolute reality.

Dr. Nikesh Patel also spoke at the event, emphasizing the multifaceted purpose of ‘Kwibuka’ in both Rwanda’s national consciousness and the global efforts to prevent future genocides.

He outlined the key objectives of the commemoration, including honoring the memory of the innocent lives lost, acknowledging the suffering of survivors, and reminding the world of the consequences of hatred and division.

Patel stressed the importance of unity, reconciliation, education, and justice in preventing future atrocities and fostering a world where such tragedies are a thing of the past.

He highlighted the need for justice and accountability for the victims of the Genocide, expressing concern over perpetrators who continue to roam freely even after 30 years.

Patel praised the resilience and progress of the Rwandan people over the past three decades, noting their commitment to defending their achievements without hesitation or apology.

The commemoration event began with a ‘Walk to Remember’ to honor the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, setting the tone for a day of reflection, remembrance, and a shared commitment to promoting peace, unity, and justice.

Source: New Times