The Rwandan community in Gaborone, Botswana, on Saturday held 20th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwandans were joined by several diplomats, academia, officials from Botswana government as well as friends and well-wishers at the event officiated by Vincent Karega, the Rwandan ambassador to South Africa. Prof. Bolaane Maitseo, of Botswana University, highlighted historical facts most related to colonial times as the root causes of discrimination and demonisation that led to genocide ideology. Both the chairperson of the Rwandan community, Sheikh Hassan Hategekimana, and Karega emphasised the necessity of remembering but also work hard for a better future. The representative of Botswana government, Collen Kelapile, expressed Botswana’s encouragement for Rwandan progress and stressed the need to stand by the never again notion. The ceremony was educative for many as testimonies and films on genocide helped to understand what exactly happened in Rwanda in 1994 and the reconciliation process. Kelapile also pledged Botswana’s partnership with Rwanda where appropriate.
