The Rwandan community in London were involved in a peaceful march last week as the Kwibuka (Remembrance) Flame started its tour from London to Oxford ahead of the 20th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The Kwibuka Flame symbolises remembrance as well as the resilience and courage of Rwandans who have diligently and bravely worked hard to rebuild the country that was torn apart during the Genocide 20 years ago.

Carried in a simple lamp, within the country, the flame, which was lit on January 7 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial site, will be taken to all of the 30 districts before the start of the national commemoration week on April 7.

Its latest leg was yesterday in Nyamagabe District in the Southern Province.

In London, the march was led by chairman of the Rwandan community Patrice Shema, the women’s representative in the community Colly Umulisa, members of the committee and members of the High Commission of Rwanda in the UK.

The marchers went towards the High Commissioner’s office outside the Rwanda House on Seymour place, Marylebone.

They were joined in by Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the UK, William Nkurunziza.

The Flame was escorted by a four member team that delivered it to the chairman of the Oxfordforshire Rwandan Community Association.

The ‘Kwibuka20” launch in the UK took place at the Commonwealth Secretariat on January 7, 2014. 

It was marked by lighting of the Flame, which will travel through UK to several Rwandan Communities with a final destination to be held in Birmingham, on April 12.