The official mourning week during which Rwandans pause to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi closed Wednesday, April 13, with the country remembering politicians who paid the ultimate price for standing up for the unity of Rwandans. 

While the Genocide was conceived, planned and supervised by a group of extremist political and military leaders, it is another set of Rwandan military and political leaders that came to the rescue of motherland and ended the slaughter 28 years ago.

Equally, while the majority of the militia and soldiers that killed more than a million innocent compatriots were youth, it is the youth that answered the call of duty and put their lives on the line to liberate their country.

These are the same gallant men and women that have inspired this country to recover from the catastrophic consequences of the Genocide against the Tutsi and make commendable progress in all spheres of life.

This does not in any way suggest that it’s mission accomplished as far as national healing, social reconstruction and sustainable development are concerned, but it is fair to say that a solid foundation has since been laid, upon which next generations should be able to take the country forward.

However, for this to happen young generations need to step forward, take responsibility and walk in the footsteps of the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their young age and lives for the greater good.

It’s a duty that calls for courage to confront the challenges that this country faces, wherever they come from, and humility and empathy to serve the people of Rwanda with integrity and grace.

Meanwhile, while the official national mourning period has come to an end, Genocide commemoration will continue through July 3, the eve of the National Liberation Day. As such, it is critical that different commemoration activities continue in communities, at the workplace, places of worship, educational institutions, among others – with a view to honouring the victims and standing shoulder to shoulder with survivors during this difficult period. 

And, there is no better way of doing this than comforting survivors, participating in Kwibuka conversations and decent burial of remains of victims, visiting memorial sites, countering Genocide denial, fighting genocide ideology, among others. 

This is not just about reflecting and reckoning with our past, but it also strengthens our resolve to ensure that Rwandans will never, ever have to endure similar tragedies in the future.