On April 8, 2024, Ibuka Denmark, the Rwandan community in Denmark, and the Embassy of Rwanda to the Nordics, organised the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda at UN City, Copenhagen. The event attracted over 250 guests, including Heads of Missions, the Ambassador of Denmark to Rwanda based in Uganda, representatives from the Danish government, members of parliament, and friends of Rwanda. ALSO READ: How international community abetted Genocide against Tutsi Egide Victor Semukanya, President of Ibuka Denmark, emphasised to attendees the role of Rwanda’s genocidal government in sowing division and hatred among Rwandans, culminating in the targeted killings of Tutsi during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He credited the survival of many to the courageous efforts of RPF-Inkotanyi. Semukanya urged survivors to acknowledge the common purpose they share with their rescuers and motivated them to persist in their contributions to the nation’s reconstruction through reconciliation and unity, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. Amb Dr Diane Gashumba, in her address, expressed gratitude to the numerous Heads of Missions and diplomatic corps for their participation in the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. She lamented that some countries mislabel Rwanda’s history as a mere civil war. Today, she observed, certain leaders from these nations unabashedly harm Rwandans, distort the truth, and seek to dictate the direction of Rwanda’s governance. ALSO READ: We will not tire demanding proper recognition of Genocide against the Tutsi Gashumba commended President Paul Kagame’s leadership, which has prioritised the unity of Rwandans, the profound healing from trauma, and the eradication of any forces that could regress Rwanda. Echoing President Kagame’s words, she emphasised that truth will always prevail over falsehoods, stating “Les faits sont têtus.” She addressed the often-overlooked truths of the killings in 1959, 1961, and 1963, which resulted in innocent Tutsi fleeing and seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. She highlighted the discrimination and persistent threats faced by the Tutsi who remained in Rwanda, spanning schools, leadership roles, the military, and various aspects of daily life. Gashumba pointed out the unfortunate requirement for national identification cards to specify ethnicity. ALSO READ: 30 years on and the world has learnt no lessons from the Genocide against the Tutsi She underscored that the Genocide against the Tutsi was meticulously planned, witnessed globally, and halted by the intervention of the RPF-Inkotanyi forces, led by President Paul Kagame. Under the guidance of RPF-Inkotanyi, Rwanda achieved peace, welcomed back refugees, removed ethnic classifications from identity cards, and ensured equal opportunities and life chances for all Rwandans. Gashumba urged others to glean lessons from Rwanda’s history and recovery. She cautioned neighbouring countries about the perils of perpetuating genocidal ideologies, citing the ongoing violence against Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in the DRC as a poignant example. The Ambassador of Denmark to Rwanda, Signe Winding Alberg, representing the Danish government, stood alongside and comforted Rwandans during the solemn 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She expressed gratitude to Rwandans for their resilience in not succumbing to grief but instead dedicating themselves to forging a unified and safe nation. Alberg was later joined by Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF Supply Division, and Ulla E. Müller, Director of the Nordic Representation Office for a panel discussion on “A call to action in mitigating the suffering of women and children in deadly conflicts.” ALSO READ: Kwibuka: Kagame speaks out on ambiguity over Genocide against the Tutsi Pakkala of UNICEF, responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children globally, emphasised the agency’s crucial role in fostering a culture of peace and advocating for the vulnerable, particularly women and children. Similarly, Müller underscored UNFPA’s commitment to championing and safeguarding women’s rights, particularly in the face of rights violations and assaults. She lamented that despite the global outcry of “Never Again” following the devastating loss of lives during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, innocent lives continue to be lost worldwide. Dady De Maximo Mwicira-Mitali, a resident of Denmark, shared a harrowing testimony of the unimaginable atrocities he experienced during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which he also documented in his book “Rwanda, un deuil impossible, effacement et traces”. He vehemently denounced those who deny or cast doubt on the universally recognised Genocide against the Tutsi. Such deniers, if given a platform, persistently propagate misinformation against Rwanda’s leadership and foster divisive ideologies. The Kwibuka 30 events in Denmark commenced with a walk to remember and a night vigil on April 7. Rwandans and friends of Rwanda gathered to offer prayers, hear survivor testimonies, and participate in a panel discussion on “The role of parents and youth in the diaspora in preserving the memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.”
