Kwibuka23: National week of mourning begins

23 years ago today, the systematic massacre of Tutsi begun across the country in what would see over a million innocent lives lost within just three months, leaving a hopeless nation grappling with a litany of problems. Over two decades later, though Rwandans have forged a new beginning, a renewal…they still remember.

Friday, April 07, 2017

23 years ago today, the systematic massacre of Tutsi begun across the country in what would see over a million innocent lives lost within just three months, leaving a hopeless nation grappling with a litany of problems.   

Over two decades later, though Rwandans have forged a new beginning, a renewal…they still remember. 

This Friday, President Paul Kagame, First Lady Jeannette Kagame and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat led other mourners at the beginning of the commemoration activities, which were launched by lighting a Flame of Hope at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

The flame will remain lit for the next 100, symbolising the period that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi lasted.

Over 400 people, including government officials, members of diplomatic corps, international dignitaries, Genocide survivors, among others, attended the event.

Kigali Genocide Memorial is a resting place of over 250,000 genocide victims—those killed in the City of Kigali and neighboring areas.

Addressing mourners, Kagame said that even though Rwandans couldn’t reverse the dark days that befell the nation, they have all it takes to ensure that what happened then never happens again.

Head of State praised the resilience of Genocide survivors and urged nationals to aim at living a dignified life saying that those who think that Rwandans should change the course the country has taken are welcome but should recognize the formidable opponent in the people of Rwanda.