More than 60 members of the Rwandan community in Hangzhou, China, gathered on April 8, to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in an event held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.
The commemoration ceremony included a poem and discussions, during which the Rwandans in the province shared messages of reconciliation, hope and patriotism, as they reflected on the tragedy and its ongoing impact in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s ambassador in China, James Kimonyo, explained the preparation of the 1994 genocide, the roles that youth played and politicians who inspired hatred among Rwandans.
He encouraged young people to learn from the dark history of the genocide and make a positive impact in rebuilding the country.
Kimonyo noted that patriotism and making good choices today will lead to a better tomorrow.
Fostering unity and the reconciliation of Rwandans, he said, must be strengthened in all ways.
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Despite being far from their homeland, the Rwandans diaspora in China has found ways to stay connected to their culture and traditions.
Providence Buregeya Ingabire, a Rwandan living in China, said time is now to work for a better future.
"Let us have our belts tightened to determine the brightest future of our families and the country as well. It begins from now with the things we are able to do. We have a lot to learn from our leaders. Let us walk their way.’’
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The commemoration event served as a reminder of how quickly such atrocities can occur. In just 100 days in 1994, more than one million people were slaughtered by extremists.
The killers targeted the minority Tutsi community as well as their political opponents.
However, the Rwandans diaspora in Hangzhou are filled with hope for a brighter future and are more determined than ever, to never allow genocide happen again.
The speeches, poems and plays gave them renewed inspiration.
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As the world and Rwandans communities across the globe are coming together to mourn the innocent lives lost during this tragic event, Rwandans association in Zhejiang hopes to continue holding the same event in the future, to raise awareness of the genocide, promote healing and foster unity among Rwandans in China.