Rwandan Community in Türkiye, diplomats, and friends of Rwanda gathered on April 15, to mark the 29th Commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi.
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In his address, Ambassador Fidelis Mironko, informed the mourners that the Genocide against the Tutsi was carefully and systematically planned and executed, with precision and timeliness quoting that "at least 20 people were killed per minute”.
"While we remember atrocities that were committed, it is also right to honor the survivors whose strength and bravery help us in our duty of remembrance. We also honor and thank those that have lent their voices to speak for the victims,” he noted.
Mironko indicated that the commemoration period is an opportunity to offer support to survivors and bring people together as they confront the future with renewed confidence and unity.
Fighting genocide denial
He highlighted that genocide perpetrators’ campaign to deny the genocide continues to grow, especially in this era of social media, where a handful of bloggers and obscure academics, who found refuge in Western capitals, engage in lobbying, public relations, and advocacy efforts to cast doubt on what they disparage as the official account of genocide.
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He commended the Rwanda Patriotic Front/Army (RPF/A) for stopping the Genocide against the Tutsi when the whole world had turned back on Rwanda and for liberating the country that has now taken a new path of reconciliation and forgiveness.
The Head of Office of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkiye, Tom Delrue, who represented the UN Resident Coordinator highlighted that 29 years ago, "today it’s time to remember all those who were murdered and reflect on the suffering of the survivors, who have shown that reconciliation is possible, even after a tragedy of such monumental proportions.”
"Rwanda has learned from its tragedy, so the States have a fundamental responsibility to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity,” he noted.
He also shared the message of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres who said that the hate and propaganda that paved the path to genocide was broadcast on TV, printed in newspapers, and blasted over the radio.
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"We remember – with shame – the failure of the international community. The failure to listen – and the failure to act," said the UN chief. Guterres stressed that preventing genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other serious violations of international law is a "shared responsibility".
Director General for East and Southern Africa Ambassador Elif Çomoğlu Ülgen who represented the Government of Türkiye in the event said that on this occasion, the world remembers once again with deep sorrow one of the worst atrocities in the recent history of mankind, which was perpetrated in the Republic of Rwanda where more than one million people were systematically and brutally murdered.
"We sincerely share the pain of the friendly people of Rwanda and offer our condolences. We express our solidarity with the families and friends who lost their loved ones during the atrocities,” she said.
She indicated that Türkiye and Rwanda enjoy excellent relations, inspired by the solid ties of friendship, mutual trust, solidarity, and cooperation, which have been flourishing between the two countries ever since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations in 1976.
She mentioned that in 2018, Türkiye co-sponsored Rwanda’s draft resolution titled "International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda” and the United Nations General Assembly announced 7 April as "International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda".
She commended the efforts of Rwandan authorities for the dedicated work to rebuild the country and to bring to justice those accused of Genocide against the Tutsi.
"We are glad to see that Rwanda was able to build a bright and promising future for its young generations under the visionary leadership of President Kagame,” she added.
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As a country that has been at the forefront in combating hate, injustice and discrimination, Türkiye will continue to support Rwanda and Rwandan people in their ongoing efforts, she added.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sedat Aybar, Professor of Economics and Finance in Bahçeşehir University and the Director of Asia Pacific Africa Studies Center talked about Rwanda’s social-economic transformation after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi where Rwanda has transformed from being a failed State to an exemplary Country in the world.
He recommended the world to learn from this unique model and requested the world to join and support Rwanda in its efforts to fight Genocide ideology and deniers.