Lives of Rwandans are valuable

Editor,I wish to respond to your editorial in The New Times, April, 9, titled “The West must do more to apprehend Genocide suspects”

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Editor,I wish to respond to your editorial in The New Times, April, 9, titled "The West must do more to apprehend Genocide suspects”I followed President Paul Kagame’s speech at the Amahoro stadium last Saturday, during the official launch of a weeklong commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In his address, the President was clearly disturbed by the reluctance of western countries to help arrest Genocide fugitives, with some actually seen to be facilitating Genocide deniers.The President’s said: "it is as if Rwandan lives are of less value”. That really affected me. It hurts me that Rwandans would ever think that their lives are insignificant. I want all Rwandans to know that their lives, and the lives of those who died during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, are very valuable.Never doubt that! The world has a lot to learn from the Rwandan people about survival, reconciliation, forgiveness and the will to make their country a shining star in the heart of Africa. Rwandans are strong, resilient, proud and dignified. I have deep admiration for the Rwandan people. Stand tall and tell your stories to the world, they need to be heard.Marie CollinsCanada