Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in the Kingdom of Morocco gathered to honour victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, commemorating its 30th anniversary. Held at the Moroccan National Library in Rabat, on April 7, the ceremony, attended by Moroccan officials, diplomats, civil societies, and Rwandan youth in Morocco, partners, and friends of Rwanda, served as a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance, resilience, and unity. The commemoration started with a walk to remember, symbolising the journey of healing and recovery embarked upon by Rwanda after the brutal Genocide that claimed the lives of over one million innocent people in just 100 days. ALSO READ: Speech by President Kagame at Kwibuka 30 Amb Shakilla Umutoni, Rwanda’s envoy to Morocco, utilised images to guide the audience through Rwanda’s remarkable recovery journey, highlighting the nation’s steadfast commitment to unity and social cohesion under the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame. The Rwandan community in Morocco lit up a flame of hope and conveyed messages of remembrance, ensuring that the memory of the Genocide victims lives on in the hearts of all those present. Umutoni underscored the significance of Kwibuka 30, marking three decades since the Genocide was halted by the Rwandan Patriotic Front, led by President Kagame, portraying it as a generational milestone in the nation’s journey towards healing and reconciliation. However, amidst the reflections, Umutoni also highlighted the rebirth of genocide ideology in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She pointed out the alarming trend of authorities and public figures openly advocating for the killing and massacres of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese of Tutsi origin. ALSO READ: UNESCO introduces special lighting at four genocide memorials on World Heritage List As the guest of honour, Ambassador Fouad Yazourh, Director General of Bilateral Relations and Regional Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans living abroad, commended Rwanda’s remarkable leadership for its resilience and exemplary efforts in rebuilding the nation post-Genocide. He praised Rwanda as an epitome of resilience, embodying the triumph of humanity over the depths of human depravity. Yazourh reaffirmed the enduring bond of friendship and cooperation between Morocco and Rwanda, echoing a sentiment of solidarity and support. The commemoration concluded with a testimony by a Genocide survivor, offering a personal glimpse into the strong human spirit and the enduring quest for justice and healing.
