16 Jun 2024

Rwanda community in Botswana Chairperson, Mr Hategekima Hassan says despite the 1994 genocide against Tutsis, the people of Rwanda are united.

He was speaking during the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Gaborone, Thursday.

He said the unforgettable incident in the history of Rwanda which resulted in the murder of one million Tutsis in 100 days served as a reminder for the Rwandans to learn from the past and take on a collective responsibility to continuously rebuild the country for future generations.

He said that the commemoration was also a call to set a long-term precedent for those who could perpetrate similar crimes in the future as well as to pursue justice and eradicate impunity for those who committed genocide against Tutsi, its ideology, and the denial of genocide.

“Our presence here today shows our solidarity with the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. We are here to remember those who were killed and those who survived it all, we stand in unity to say never shall it happen again, not only in Rwanda but elsewhere in the world,” said Mr Hassan.

This year’s commemoration theme: Kwibuya, which translates, remember, unify, and renew, is set to offer Rwandans hope for a new dawn as well as foster a bond among them for prosperity and peace.

Rwanda Embassy first secretary, Mr Karangwa Vianney said despite the hardships Rwandans faced, a significant renewal occurred and Rwanda was now ranked among the top performing countries on the continent in most aspects of human life, including peace, security, international cooperation, and health systems, among others.

He also commended Botswana government for providing a suitable environment for the annual commemoration, saying it was an affirming act of unity in the battle against genocide ideology and denial. Ends