The 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was held on April 9 in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The solemn commemorative event co-hosted by the Rwanda Embassy in Korea and the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC Korea), marked the official commemoration of Kwibuka 30. Kwibuka means ‘to remember’ in Kinyarwanda, the national language of Rwanda. ALSO READ: April 10, 1994: A day that refused to end, Church sides with killers The commemoration in Seoul was preceded by a Walk to Remember that brough together the Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda. The event was attended by Korean government officials and over 55 Ambassadors and diplomats residing in Seoul, as well as more than 120 other people including friends of Rwanda, members of the Rwandan community, reporters, university professors and students, business leaders, and artists. The commemoration began with both the FEBC choir performing the Korean and Rwandan national anthems followed by a minute of silence in memory of the innocent victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and a prayer delivered by Rev. Dr. Billy Kim, Chairman of Far East Broadcasting Company-Korea. In his prayer, Kim, noted that “we pray for the people of Rwanda, especially for the great leader President Kagame. We pray that, Lord, grant him wisdom, guide him, and direct him and use him in a mighty way.” ALSO READ: Genocidal govt ‘earmarked over Rwf150m for Tutsi massacre’ A documentary video of testimonies enlightening the importance of remembering the past, forgiveness and taking responsibility to build a safer world for the next generation, as well as commemoration songs marked the commemoration in Seoul. Chung Byung-won, the Deputy Minister for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Korea, representing the Government of Korea, extended profound empathy for the unspeakable suffering of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a tragic chapter in human history. The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister stressed that not forgetting lamentable history and listening to the survivors is a first step in ensuring that history does not repeat itself. ALSO READ: April 7, 1994: What really happened on the day killings unfolded? He noted that he applauds and pay homage to the determination and resilience that the Rwandan people have shown. “Rwanda has been able to establish itself as a leader at the very forefront in African integration and innovation today because its people, overcoming the tragedy of the past, have moved forward, looking to the future, seeking harmony and the path of development,” said Chung. The Korean government representative noted that as the people of Rwanda have been doing for years, the international community should reinvigorate its collective responsibilities and stand together with the victims of violence and humanitarian crisis around the world, so as to keep moving forward for peace. The Deputy Minister highlighted that Korea and Rwanda, bound by painful histories, share a remarkable aspiration for peace. “Drawing upon our similar pasts, Korea stands in heartfelt remembrance of Rwanda’s past and is determined to support Rwanda’s inspiring steps toward a brighter future,” he said. In his remarks, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the Republic of Korea, Amb Carlos Victor Boungou of the Gabonese Republic, said that the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi provides an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable resilience of the Rwandan people and the extraordinary leadership of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. In just one generation, Rwanda has made remarkable strides in reconciliation, justice, social cohesion, and development, noted the Ambassador of Gabon. Amb Boungou highlighted that each year, “at this poignant juncture, we reflect on a tragedy that saw over a million innocent men, women, and children brutally murdered within a mere 100 days.” He added that “as we underscore the importance” of this 30th commemoration under the theme Remember – Unite – Renew, underscoring the enduring legacy of strength, resilience, and unity, it is crucial, amidst our solidarity with the people of Rwanda worldwide, to honor and remember the victims, celebrate the resilience of the survivors and their families, and uphold the hopes and aspirations of the Republic of Rwanda. In his address, Rwandan Ambassador Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa extended gratitude to all government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of Rwanda, for joining the Rwandan community in Korea in the 30th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Amb Bakuramutsa expressed heartfelt appreciations for the sacrifices made by Genocide survivors, which have facilitated the reconciliation and unity of Rwanda. The Rwandan Ambassador recognized the bravery of numerous Rwandans, who courageously resisted the call to genocide, with some making the ultimate sacrifice. “We solemnly honor their memory,” said the Ambassador. “Rwanda has emerged from devastation, and its evident progress is a testament to the difficult decisions it has made. We opted for unity and accountability, and these choices have been pivotal in our journey,” said Ambassador Bakuramutsa. “The tragedy experienced by Rwanda serves as a cautionary tale. The process of division and extremism that paves the way for genocide can occur in any place if allowed to persist without intervention.” The Ambassador concluded his remarks by extending his appreciation to the Korean government and all partners of Rwanda for their friendship, partnership, and continuous efforts in propelling Rwanda's rapid advancement towards achieving the status of a high-middle-income country by 2050.
