25 Years Later, Rwandans in Kenya remember the genocide against Tutsis

Rwanda High Commissioner to Kenya Dr. Richard Masozera lights a candle to commemorate International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Rwanda Genocide against the Tutsi, at United Nations headquarters in Nairobi. [David Njaaga/Standard]

Kenyans yesterday joined Rwandans living in the country in a ceremony organised by the United Nations (UN) to commemorate the 1994 genocide.

Each year, the UN holds events at its offices around the world to remember the genocide, where nearly 1 million people were killed in ethnic-fueled attacks.

The event was the second in commemoration of the genocide. The first was held on Sunday during the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda.

Sunday also marked the beginning of 100 days of mourning in Rwanda, as a way of honouring those murdered.

“This entire week has been set aside to commemorate the genocide,” said Rwandan High Commissioner to Kenya Richard Masozera.

“We have a duty to remember what happened and this event presents the opportunity to learn so that we do not repeat the same mistakes.”

According to Dr Masozera, the remembrance is even more significant now, given the rising wave of xenophobia, racism, tribalism and other acts of intolerance around the world.

In light of the genocide, the envoy stressed the importance of fighting negative ethnicity and demagoguery.

He said the perpetrators of hate ought to be called out. Stressing the importance of the commemoration, Masozera said: "It is time to tell people to keep the memory of what happened so that we do not repeat the same mistakes. History should not be denied."

He added: “A majority of Rwanda’s population is young and did not witness the genocide. It is, therefore, important that we mark this event to preserve history and educate future generations on the need for a peaceful coexistence.”

Even though official statistics say 800,000 people died as a result of the Tusti and Tusti sympathizers' massacre by radical Hutus, the figure is highly debatable.

Tusti revenge killings against the Hutus, also took place. Many argue that the death toll was much higher, slightly over one million.

Masozera also acknowledged that while Rwanda was yet to completely get rid of ethnic ideologies, the country had made significant strides since 1994.

Equal opportunities

He said steps taken included elimination of requirements to indicate ethnic identities on national identity cards, and in registration of national examinations.

He said the measures had also helped create equal opportunities for Rwandans.

According to independent analysts, Rwanda has made significant strides setting exemplary examples.

The country has attained a 68 per cent women's representation in parliament.

It has also passed a new constitution. According to the World Bank, its GDP has grown by 120 per cent in slightly over two decades since the genocide.

Citing these examples, Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Orlando Lyomu, who attended the event, said: “The lessons are there for us to learn. A lot of Rwanda’s post-genocide journey can be emulated by many countries. Their journey is an indicator that any country can rise from any situation and Africans can steer their own countries into the right direction."