Solemn, hopeful prayer and the soft glow of candle light filled the Elks Lodge on Saturday afternoon as a group of around 80 people marked the 21st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in North Dakota, US.

The commemoration, part of the wider Kwibuka remembrance series, drew Rwandans from Dickinson and other parts of the state.

They were joined by Lawrence Manzi, the first counselor of the Rwandan Embassy in the U.S., and Dickinson Mayor Dennis Johnson in the first event of its kind to be held in North Dakota.

A group of 21 people lit 21 candles in remembrance of the 21st anniversary of the Genocide.

While mourning was central to the commemoration, forgiveness and unity were also emphasised as being important aspects to the Rwandan remembrance, and formed a continued theme for the event.

Pastor Jim Smith of the River of Life Church International spoke of the forgiveness shown by Rwanda’s Tutsi to Hutu perpetrators and bystanders to the Genocide in an opening prayer.

Later on, a video presentation discussed the difficulties and successes in restoring inter-ethnic trust after the Genocide.

Many of the day’s presentations were educational and explained how the conditions for Genocide grew prior to the events of 1994.

Eric and Goretti Mazimpaka delivered historical accounts of the events leading up to and through the genocide. Goretti said remembering the Genocide was important for everyone, Rwandan or not, in order to prevent such atrocities from ever reoccurring.

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