The Rwandan community in the Middle East countries of United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain convened in Abu Dhabi and remotely to mark the 28th commemoration of 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
One of the cruelest tragedies in human history, the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi saw over one million innocent Tutsi brutally killed in barely a hundred days.
They were joined by members of diplomatic corps and friends of Rwanda in the commemoration event which served as an opportunity to recall the country’s horrendous past and reflect on Rwanda’s daunting reconstruction journey.
"Rwanda’s renaissance post-1994 is a vast chronicle of forgiveness, people's resilience and visionary leadership. This is because we were tested, deemed a failed state, torn into parts but refused to surrender and learnt the hard way,” Emmanuel Hategeka, Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE told mourners.
Friends of Rwanda who joined Rwandans in the commemoration event.
He reminded his audience that courageous men and women who stopped the genocide laid a strong foundation for a modern-day Rwanda under the leadership of President Paul Kagame and highlighted that challenge ahead lies in hands of the youth.
"Rwanda has embarked on a new 30-year journey towards vision 2050 for a prosperous and dignified life for all citizens. Our youth today have taken up the challenge and we call upon you the youth to continue to uphold Rwandan values of resilience, patriotism, courage and integrity to ensure that the Rwandan spirit prevails wherever you are even in times of adversity," he said, directly addressing the youth who attended the event.
Khalid Al-Rashidi, the Director of Africa in UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation echoed his country’s solidarity with the government and people of Rwanda.
"I join you today to honor and remember those who lost their lives in the genocide against the Tutsi and share solidarity with the survivors who lost their families and friends during the genocide. We stand today in solidarity with the people of Rwanda in remembering the hardest period of their history,” he said.
‘Rwandan miracle’
Francis Gaudreault, a Professor at Zayed Military University in UAE and an Associate Researcher at University of Ottawa’s Centre on Governance reiterated that Rwanda’s transformation was enabled by resilient people and inspiring leadership.
"Rwanda’s resilience is really something amazing. If we talk about the country itself, what they call the Rwandan miracle, just like we talk about the East Asia miracle, the ability to be able to develop the country like this, how many countries have made such change after events like this? I think we should talk about Rwanda’s people, Rwanda’s governance and the leadership which is really inspiring,” he said.
Hategeka leads other mourners to light candles during the event.
Post 1994, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda’s transformation was catalyzed by principles of unity, accountability and thinking big.
"These very hard and bad lessons should never be wasted. Every year that passes makes us stronger and better people," President Kagame said on April 7, 2022 in his remarks at the 28th National Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Kwibuka28 event in the UAE also featured messages of hope by the youth and a moving testimony shared by Pauline Kayitare Mukayiranga, a genocide survivor who lived in Karongi during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Under the theme "Remember-Unite-Renew” the commemoration period, which started on April 7, 2022 will last for 100 days until July 4.
Khalid Al-Rashidi, Director of Africa in UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation delivers remarks during the commemoration event on June 26.
Officials, Diplomats and friends of Rwanda observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to the victims of the genocide during commemoration event in UAE on June 26. Courtesy
The commemoration event of the Genocide Against the Tutsi took place on June 26