The Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to China, James Kimonyo, has called upon the international community to fight the spread of hate speech, genocide ideology, and denial, and bring to book all the perpetrators residing and working in different countries.
Kimonyo made the remarks during an event that convened Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in China on Sunday, April 7, to observe the 30th Commemoration of 1994 the Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed over one million innocent lives in 100 days.
Held under the theme "Remember-Unite-Renew”, the event was graced by Chinese government officials, diplomatic corps, and friends of Rwanda, including Wu Peng, the Director General of the Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator, Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman, the Permanent Representative of the AU to China, and other dignitaries.
ALSO READ: How international community abetted Genocide Against Tutsi
During the event, Kimonyo highlighted that the horrendous atrocities of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi were meticulously planned and executed by the genocidal regime.
"We all understand that genocide is not accidental or coincidental; it’s a meticulously planned extermination strategy. It doesn’t occur suddenly; rather, it progresses through stages, with unmistakable signs visible to all,” he said.
"The commitment to ‘never again’ should not be an obligation but the true claim to uphold humanity,” he noted.
The envoy also briefed the audience, particularly those unfamiliar with Rwanda’s history, that the roots of hate and divisionism were planted during colonial times. This was through a divide-and-rule policy, manifested in the issuance of ethnic identity cards labelling individuals as Hutu, Tutsi, or Twa.
In reality, Rwanda had only social classes, as its people shared one language, culture, and traditions.
"These divisive politics gradually entrenched hate and deep divisions within Rwandan society that culminated in the atrocious Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994,” he said.
However, Kimonyo said that when the world turned a blind eye to Rwanda’s plight, it was the brave men and women of the Rwanda Patriotic Army, led by President Paul Kagame, who put an end to the Genocide.
"We pay tribute to the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price during the campaign against the genocide,” he said.
In this regard, Rwandans cannot allow themselves to turn back. The ideals and values that Rwandans of today cherish are built on the long history of unity which is a bedrock of who we are today and who we are determined to be tomorrow, he said.
Kimonyo urged all Rwandans, particularly the youth, to preserve the memory of the Genocide, uphold unity, and contribute to the country’s progress.
In his message, Peng said, "It is gratifying to see that, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, the Rwandan government and people have put the dark clouds of history behind them, achieved national reconciliation, and explored a development path that suits their national conditions.
"The country has successfully maintained national stability and social harmony and realised rapid economic growth. Its achievements are widely recognised.”
He added: "Rwanda is a fine example of war-torn countries emerging stronger. China sincerely wishes Rwanda new and greater progress on its path of development and revitalization.”
ALSO READ: Rwanda achievements at 30 crystal clear, says Kagame
In his remarks, Amb Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman, the Permanent Representative of the African Union in China, said Rwanda has achieved the unthinkable feat of getting back on its feet after having lived through a terrible disaster and almost being wiped out.
"In this respect, this commemoration is not only a manifestation of our solidarity with Rwanda but also an expression of our admiration for the authorities of this country who have achieved a salutary rebirth.”
"May this rebirth, now crowned with many successes, be for us a source for pride and faith in the future of our continent,” he added.
Narcisse Mulinga, a survivor who was just 11 years old during the Genocide, shared his story of childhood discrimination and the loss of loved ones.
He expressed gratitude towards the RPF-Inkotanyi for stopping the Genocide and providing hope for him and numerous other survivors to rebuild their lives.
"Today, I am nearing the completion of my PhD in regional rural development at Anhui Agricultural University. The journey of rebuilding myself persists. I am someone who has rebuilt his life. I am fortunate to have a loving family, including a 10-year-old child.”