China remembers victims of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

Rwandans living in China this week organised the 17th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, under the national theme “Upholding the truth; preserving our dignity”. Over 500 people from six provinces namely; Beijing, Guangzhou, Hubei, Tianjin, Jiangsu and Hunan attended the event held at the Rwandan Embassy in Beijing. Present were envoys drawn from various countries, Chinese officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Commerce, representatives of main Universities in China and other Chinese institutions working in collaboration with the Embassy. The day started with a tour of an exhibition displaying images on the main milestones of the Genocide since the penetration of the colonialists into Rwanda and the first introduction of the so-called ethnic classification among Rwandans. After the tour of the exhibition, Pastor Mark Blair led the assembly in commemoration prayers. The pastor’s sermon focused on creation of man in God’s image. It observed that no one has the right to kill another human being, underlining that human life is sovereign and it has to be protected by all means. In his remarks, Ambassador Francois Ngarambe elaborated the history of Genocide, from the colonial times up to its climax in 1994. He also explained Rwanda’s progress since the end of the Genocide, as well as measures taken by the Rwandan people to eradicate its ideology, and making the “Never Again” call a reality. The Dean of Diplomatic Corps in Beijing, the Ambassador of Togo, Nolama Ta Ama, assured the audience that the world stands together with Rwandans during this period when they remember their loved ones. Two movies selected for the occasion; “Shake hands with the Devil” and “Sometime in April” were projected. Ends