Kwibuka 30: Harvard University holds Genocide commemoration event

Harvard University on Tuesday, April 16, held a commemoration event to honor the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The US-based university is one of the most prestigious higher learning institutions in the world. During the commemoration, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, emphasised the ongoing struggle against remnants of genocidal forces, particularly the FDLR, a genocidal militia which continues to operate in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The FDLR was formed in eastern DR Congo by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. ALSO READ: Major universities in US to host Genocide commemoration events At the event organised by the Harvard African Law Association in collaboration with the Rwandan Students Community at Harvard University and the Rwandan Community in Boston, Ugirashebuja talked about the danger posed by the support genocidal forces receive in the region and their persistent threat to reorganise and perpetrate further violence. ALSO READ: Belgian lawyer on why genocide ideology doesn’t dissolve three decades after dispersion of genocidaires “We must actively combat the genocide ideology and denial with unflinching determination. These toxic elements—ideology and hate speech—are insidious recipes that can lead to the darkest depths of human cruelty. Let us stand united against them, ensuring that history’s painful lessons guide us toward aspiring for a future of a safe and just space for humanity,” the Minister said. Thank you @Harvard and @Harvard_Law for hosting Min @eugirashebuja1 and our Rwandan community for the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against Tutsi in #Rwanda. Academic communities have an important role in keeping the Memory alive and in fighting against genocide denial... pic.twitter.com/JBYqCc6huu — Mathilde Mukantabana (@AmbMukantabana) April 16, 2024 Michael Butera, a Rwandan student at Harvard University, stressed the significance of Kwibuka 30 for the Rwandan community abroad, particularly for the younger generation who did not directly experience the genocide. He emphasised the event's forward-looking nature, aimed at ensuring that such horrors are never repeated. ALSO READ: UN urged to prevent hatred against Congolese Tutsi Rising phoenix from the ashes Former prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda Florida Kabasinga shared experiences from her time gathering evidence at the tribunal, offering insight into the pursuit of justice for the 1994 genocide's victims. ALSO READ: Genocide ideology persists through denial, revisionism Michael Fairbanks and Professor Hansen from Harvard University reflected on Rwanda's remarkable journey of recovery over the past three decades, describing it as a rising phoenix from the ashes and highlighting the nation's progress in redefining its history. Elsewhere, Georgetown University also joined in the commemoration with an event titled “Choosing Hope: Rebuilding Rwanda 30 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi.” Arthur Asiimwe, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Rwandan embassy in Washington DC, outlined Rwanda's transformation, emphasising the country's leadership in areas such as women empowerment, peace, security, and anti-corruption efforts. ALSO READ: April 18, 1994: Interim president Sindikubwabo incites the masses to commit genocide in rural Rwanda Several other universities across the USA, including Tufts University, Middlebury College, and Oklahoma Christian University, have also hosted Kwibuka 30 events, underscoring the widespread commitment to honoring the memory of victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and supporting Rwanda's journey of healing and progress.

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Kwibuka 30: Harvard University holds Genocide commemoration event