As Rwanda began the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, on Sunday, April 7, world leaders and celebrities shared messages of solidarity with the country.
Here is a recap of what some of the leaders said in regards to Kwibuka 30.
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Jurrien Timber, Arsenal FC footballer
On Kwibuka 30, my message to the young football players of Nyagatare and AS Kigali, is to continue to work hard, continue to stay together, and to have courage to chase your dreams.
Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
The 30th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi resonates in our hearts and reminds us to surpass ourselves and transcend ourselves higher and higher – higher than the heights of the thousand hills that characterise this country.
Higher in terms of values of humanism, of inclusive prosperity and shared happiness. May the living remain faithful to this oath, may the dead who live in our conscience rest in eternal peace.
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Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary General
It’s poignant to return to Kigali for the 30th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi.
As we reflect on the pain of the genocide, we recognise the bravery and fortitude which Rwandese have demonstrated in the last 30 years to heal, build peace and move forward.
Wairimu Nderitu, Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide
There should be determination in ensuring that these lessons learned from Rwanda are truly learned, risk factors mitigated early and populations protected from another genocide. This determination and efforts remain essential.
This is why Kwibuka 30 is especially important today, to remind us of our obligation to learn, to prevent, to act.
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Arsenal Football Club
Today, we stand with the people of Rwanda to mark the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Our players and legends reflect on their time visiting Rwanda and learning about its history.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Today we mark 30 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi. We honour the victims.
And we praise Rwanda's journey from darkness to hope, and from pain to progress.
It’s an example for the world.
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Hadja Lahbib, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Exactly 30 years ago, almost a million men, women, children were murdered in Rwanda during the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi.
100 days of violence and horror, a chapter in the history of Rwanda which shook the world with its brutality and its inhumanity. I am grateful to honour the memory of the victims of this genocide.