Rwandans in Madagascar mark Genocide

Rwandans living in Madagascar and neighbouring regions in the Indian Ocean met in the country’s capital Antananarivo to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Friday, April 26, 2013
Rwandans in Madagascar take part in a Walk to Remember in Antananarivo at the weekend. The New Times/ Courtesy photo.

Rwandans living in Madagascar and neighbouring regions in the Indian Ocean met in the country’s capital Antananarivo to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.The commemoration, at the weekend, was marked by mass and a Walk to Remember.According to Jacqueline Uwamwiza, the vice chairperson of the Rwandan Diaspora in the Indian Ocean region, about 100 people participated in the event, including ordinary Rwandans, Malagasies, diplomats, and representatives from the United Nations.Uwamwiza, who is one of the people who delivered a speech on behalf of the Rwandan community, highlighted the key messages, including the obligation to fight those who deny the Genocide against the Tutsi, the will of Rwandans to move forward after what happened and build a country that is self-reliant, as well as the promotion of human dignity worldwide."Rwandans have the testimony of how brotherhood has won over divisionism, how courage has won over despair. They have to pursue their resilience and fight against dependence,” Uwamwiza told participants at the event, which took place in the compound of the UN Mission in Madagascar.The mourners watched a movie about the Genocide and looked at photos of Genocide victims as part of the mourning and remembrance of those who were killed in the 100-day slaughter that claimed the lives of more than a million Rwandans.