The Rwandan community in DR Congo capital, Kinshasa, on Tuesday launched the Kwibuka 20 Flame at the Grand Hôtel de Kinshasa.

The Kwibuka (remembrance) Flame represents 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.

In Kinshasa, DR Congo minister for labour, Bahati Lukwebo, members of diplomatic corps, and other officials participated in lighting the flame at the launch of Kwibuka20.

Among those who graced the ceremony included Congolese ministers and diplomats accredited to DR Congo from various countries, and UN peacekeeping force in the country, Monusco, according to Rwanda’s envoy to Kinshasa, Amb. Amandin Rugira.

Sharing occasion

The Rwandan embassy in Kinshasa also plans to launch Kwibuka20 in Brazzaville later this month.

Jack Wilson McConnell, a Scottish politician, tweeted: "Wonderful to see DR Congo and Rwanda sharing this moment.”

Carried in a simple lamp, across Rwanda, the Flame, which was first lit on January 7, at Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, will be taken to all 30 districts before the start of the national commemoration week on April 7. 

The Flame is currently in Nyamagabe District in Southern Province where it reached on Monday.