Why “Never Again” will triumph

Events to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi have brought back vivid memories of what happened then. For some who had never lived in Rwanda, cases where people are breaking down and others unable to control their emotions, one can only imagine what it was like for those who lived it, and survived. Many have forgiven those who killed their families and those who tried to kill them. It is obvious why for some, it is really hard to say “I forgive”. In fact I have noted that many visitors to Rwanda, especially after visiting the memorial sites fail to understand how forgiveness is possible in such circumstances considering all that happened. But nevertheless many have moved on and others are on a path towards forgiveness and reconciliation. The adoption of the traditional Gacaca justice system has to a large extent made what seems impossible in many people’s eyes possible in Rwanda. It has restorative justice as a basic tenet, and this I can argue has facilitated forgiveness and reconciliation. Unlike the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal of Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, which sought retribution, the Gacaca was developed out of the realisation that Rwandans had to live together in any case, so reconciliation has had to take precedence. Though the international justice system as represented by the Arusha tribunal sought retribution as a justice mechanism, it has done little if anything to help or give a sense of justice to Rwandans. The failure of the international community during the Genocide, and the continuous failure of the international justice system, as represented by the insignificant number of cases judged by the ICTR, speaks volumes about what will forever define the future of Rwanda and all Banyarwanda. It is Rwandans and internal mechanisms that will do that. At the same time decision by the United Kingdom High Court to stop the extradition of four Genocide fugitives says a lot about the priorities of different systems when it comes to issues of Genocide particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It becomes apparent from such decisions that the interests of the people, who carried out Genocide, are given high consideration in comparison to those who suffered as a result of the hate filled mass slaughter. Many have been allowed to change their names and practice different trades in European countries. The case in the United Kingdom is but one of the several we have seen in the recent past. The fact that many who were maimed and others raped are struggling to survive is yet another scar on humanity and our collective conscious. Despite well meaning and good intentions by people in positions of authority like government, some survivors continue to suffer and some rape victims who were infected with HIV can hardly access the life saving anti-retroviral therapy. When many who bore the brunt of the Genocide learn about the living conditions of the perpetrators in Arusha or detention facilities for the convicted ones in places like Mali, they fail to understand what life is all about. How can people convicted of the crime of Genocide live as though they were in luxury hotels while their victims struggle to stay alive? Well, as they say life can sometimes be so cruel. It is by forging a better life and moving on that Rwandans of all walks can guarantee a better and brighter future for their progeny. President Kagame put it very clearly when he led Rwandans in commemorating this year’s anniversary of the Genocide. At the same time the work of the revisionists and deniers has become more virulent in Western Europe. The deniers of the Genocide most of whom are former elements of the defeated Genocidal government have been joined by a coterie of so called intellectuals from the west. These western revisionists and deniers are routinely given platform to air their virulent message. This is the same ideology that drives people like those grouped into the so called Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). But whatever the case they and their supporters are on the wrong side of history. No one or group in the history of mankind has ever succeeded in exterminating another group, be it ethnic or whatever. Moreover, the determination and resilience of Rwandans to overcome adversity tells us that such groups/ people will never succeed. The anger that wells up when one listens to testimonies or on visits to the memorial sites is something that will for so long collectively galvanise Rwandans into ensuring that “Never Again” is really never again. frank2kagabo@yahoo.com