Hundreds of West midland-Rwandan Community Association (WM-RCA) members in the UK on Saturday converged to mark the 22nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The function took place at St Georges Community Hub, Great Hampton Row, Newtown, Birmingham in West Midland. Speaking at the event, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Yamina Karitanyi, urged participants to always speak out in the face of genocide. She called upon Rwandans to stand united for the common good to help ensure that what happened in Rwanda 22 years ago, does not happen elsewhere again. She requested Rwandans to fight Genocide denial and invest their energy into constructive actions to build a better country, a proud legacy to future generations. “We have every reason to rebuke the international community for failure to take action, thereby abandoning innocent civilians to their killers. Rwanda will continue to take a clear stand in the fight against genocide ideology, anti-Semitism, hatred, bigotry and any other form of discrimination,” said Karitanyi. The envoy emphasised the importance of remembrance which she said is the only way to honour the victims, and comfort the survivors, while taking the nation through a process of reflection and healing. She highlighted the tremendous progress Rwanda has made in building a stable, prosperous and equitable country. Chairman of West Midland-Rwandese community Association Bosco Ngabonzima called on Rwandans and friends of Rwanda to join the fight against genocide ideology, which is the theme of this year’s commemoration. Ngabonzima warned of the dangers of “systematic attempt” to deny the Genocide against the Tutsi and genocide ideology. During the event religious leaders led prayers in memory of the victims. Community women performed songs at event. Furthermore, 22 community youths and children delivered an emotional poem describing the country’s journey from Genocide. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
