Kwibuka: Djibouti commemorates Genocide victims, urges end to genocidal ideology

The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Djibouti, based in Addis Ababa, solemnly commemorated the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda on Thursday, April 18. Over 300 attendees, including Djibouti ministers, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from international organisations, Djibouti military and security authorities, defense attachés, foreign military bases commanders, academics, Djiboutians, and members of the Rwandan community in Djibouti, gathered to observe the event. ALSO READ: Genocide ideology, hate speech can lead to darkest depths of human cruelty, minister tells Harvard University The Kwibuka 30 ceremony in Djibouti centred on remembering the tragic loss of more than one million men, women, and children who fell victim to a meticulously planned yet preventable genocide. Charles Karamba, the Ambassador of Rwanda to Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the AU and UNECA, expressed sincere gratitude to the attendees for joining the 30th commemoration and showing solidarity as Rwanda honours the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which occurred from April 7 to July 3, 1994. ALSO READ: Kwibuka 30: How one Genocide survivor’s clever act saved lives He highlighted that Rwanda commenced the 30th Commemoration period under the theme Remember, unite, renew. Ambassador Karamba extended thanks to the Government of Djibouti and its people for their collaboration in organising this annual event, dedicated to commemorating the memory of over a million innocent people tragically killed over 100 days. He emphasised the critical importance of preserving collective memory, fostering unity, and renewing efforts to combat the dangerous ideology of genocide and its denial. The ambassador underscored the necessity of upholding judicial integrity, individual accountability, and international cooperation in prosecuting perpetrators of genocide and preventing future atrocities. ALSO READ: 39 arrested for genocide ideology-related crimes in commemoration week He underscored the obligation of states, as outlined in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and related treaties, to prevent and eradicate the ideology of hatred. Despite these commitments, crimes and violence persist in Africa and globally, highlighting a failure by the international community to prevent genocides before they occur. The ambassador reiterated Rwanda's continued pursuit of justice, noting that nearly 980 international arrest warrants for Genocide fugitives remain unexecuted. He appealed for the international community's support in combating impunity and eradicating hate speech. Karamba cited the genocidaires who fled Rwanda in 1994 to DR Congo, forming armed rebel groups like FDLR, which perpetuates genocidal ideology against the Congolese Tutsi people and poses a threat to Rwanda's security. The ambassador then called for educational initiatives on genocide prevention and solidarity. He referenced United Nations Security Council Resolution 2150, adopted on April 16, 2014, which condemns genocide denial and urges states to develop educational programmes for future generations to prevent genocide. In his address, Ali Hassan Bahdon, Minister of Justice and Prison Affairs, conveyed the solidarity and profound compassion of the Djiboutian people and government. He emphasised the crucial significance of commemorating the victims and reaffirming everyone's commitment to combating genocide ideology and advancing justice. Minister Bahdon commended the courage, resilience, and determination of the Rwandan people, whose efforts have led to the country's remarkable reconstruction and national reconciliation. “Today, Rwanda stands as an exemplary model for many nations across Africa and beyond,” he said.

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Kwibuka: Djibouti commemorates Genocide victims, urges end to genocidal ideology