Genocide commemoration activities continue overseas

Members of the Rwandan community in Berkshire, Reading, Slough, Wokingham, Oxford and Bracknell in the United Kingdom, on Monday, held an event to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.The memorial function was observed with prayers and candle lighting which were followed by a one minute moment of silence in honour of the Genocide victims.The event was part of the activities to mark the 18th commemoration of the Genocide in which over a million people were killed.“In commemorating the genocide, we remember the brave men and women who put up resistance against the killers with nothing else but stones and sticks against machetes, guns and helicopters,” said John Binama, the chairman of the Rwandese community in Berkshire. Binama told the gathering that Rwanda has adopted concrete and amazing nation building strategies that are a blend of Rwandan traditional culture and modern values. Through these programmes, he said, Rwanda has managed to create effective governing institutions to respond to the local needs without necessarily looking at foreign assistance in everything. The event was attended by among others, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Ernest Rwamucyo, among other dignitaries.Meanwhile, Rwandans living and working in Rumbek region in South Sudan on the same day held a commemorative event.The event that was attended by local communities, UN staff and other international organisations working in the region was held at the premises of the United Nations Mission in Southern Sudan.Speaking at the function, Theo Frank Munya, the interim chairperson of Rwandan community in Rumbek reminded the gathering that genocide is a global tragedy that should be mourned and reflected upon by the entire world, regardless of nationality or religion.“Post conflict countries like South Sudan should draw lessons from genocide in Rwanda and embrace fellow citizens in reconciliation, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence,” he noted.

National

Genocide commemoration activities continue overseas