The Rwandan embassy in Morocco in collaboration with the Rwandan community in the North African country on Monday, April 7, remembered the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, honouring the one million lives lost and marking the 31st commemoration of the tragedy.

The event held at the Moroccan National Library in Rabat was also attended by Moroccan government officials, diplomats, members of civil societies organisation, partners and friends of Rwanda.

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The commemoration commenced with the "Walk to Remember,” a solemn procession honouring the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. A Flame of Remembrance was lit during the event, representing hope and resilience of Rwandans after the Genocide.

Ambassador Shakilla Umutoni emphasized that the Genocide against the Tutsi was the tragic outcome of a long history of ethnic divisions, hatred, and violence, which can be traced back to the colonial era, particularly under Belgian rule.

She noted that Rwanda&039;s post-genocide reconstruction is a testament to the power of determination, illustrating that from the ashes of tragedy can emerge a new and dynamic nation.

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Umutoni added that Rwanda had embarked on an inspiring journey, characterized by resilience and transformative leadership under President Paul Kagame.

The Ambassador warned of the persistence of genocide ideology and hate speech, which fuelled the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, highlighting that this dangerous ideology has spread into neighbouring countries, especially DR Congo, where the defeated genocidal forces, the now grouped in the FDLR militia, operate with support from the Congolese government, posing an existential threat to Rwanda.

Genocide survivor Valens Kabarari shared his testimony, recounting the horrors he endured in 1994 and how he was rescued by the Rwandan Patriotic Front/Army.

Lalla Loubna, who delivered a message from Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, commended Rwanda’s leadership for being able to rebuild the country after the Genocide. She also praised the good relations between the Rwanda and Morocco.

Mohammed El Habib Belkouch, the Interministerial Delegate for Human Rights, expressed solidarity with the people of Rwanda and reminded that commemoration is a duty, so that such atrocities as the Genocide against the Tutsi are not repeated elsewhere.

Amina Bouayach, President of Morocco’s National Council for Human Rights, highlighted the importance of commemoration in keeping alive the commitment to prevent divisive discourse.

She recalled that the Genocide against the Tutsi was not the result of a spontaneous outburst, but rather a well-articulated plan. She also condemned the silence of the international community during the Genocide.

"The Genocide against the Tutsi teaches us one truth: the worst happens when indifference sets in. The Genocide was the tragic culmination of a long process of dehumanization, each stage of which could and should have been halted” Bouayach said.