Yesterday, the Kwibuka (remembrance) Flame was lit at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, home to more than 250,000 Genocide victims.It is the beginning of a journey that will see the flame pass through all the 30 districts and signal the beginning of events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed over a million people.Nothing better puts the meaning of the milestone than this year’s theme: “Remember, Unite, Renew”. We are remembering those we lost as we renew our solidarity with survivors of the Genocide while we remain united as one people to say; “Never Again” shall the 1994 darkness befall our country.The last 20 years have been trying, but Rwandans have shown a remarkable streak of resilience. The period has imbibed in its people a new patriotic drive and unveiled a different Rwanda from the previous; a dignified, and purpose driven nation that has refused to be held back by the 100 days of agony.This year’s commemorative events are bound to come with their usual heavy consequences to survivors; the inevitable trauma that comes with reliving the fateful events. But we can make a difference by renewing our support to the survivors, giving them a shoulder to lean on, to help unburden their grief.The flame that was lit yesterday symbolises exactly that; hope for a future generation free of political manipulation. A generation that has the obligation of making sure the patriotic fire will never be put out.
