Rwandans and friends of Rwanda on Thursday, May 16, held the first-ever official commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, following the November 2023 opening of the Rwandan embassy in Amman. The commemoration event was attended by about 200 people including Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired, Wajih Azaizeh, the Minister of State for the Prime Ministry Affairs, diplomats, and business leaders. ALSO READ: Inside growing Rwanda, Jordan ties In her remarks, Rwanda’s envoy, Amb Urujeni Bakuramutsa, emphasized the importance of commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi. She highlighted how this solemn occasion of remembrance serves as a means to prevent the horrors of the past from recurring. ALSO READ: Rwandans can now go to Jordan visa-free She called on Rwandans, friends of Rwanda and the international community, to honor the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Bakuramutsa emphasized the need for collective responsibility to confront the insidious threat of denialism and hate speech that is currently increasing globally. She noted that “this resurgence serves as a stark reminder of our duty to stand united against bigotry, discrimination, and prejudice in all its forms.” She indicated that the Genocide against the Tutsi serves as an example of the catastrophic consequences of allowing hate speech to flourish unchecked. She urged participants to recommit to the principles of tolerance, empathy, and understanding in order to build a future where the lessons of the past lead to a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world for all. She concluded by quoting President Paul Kagame: “The most important lesson our country has learnt is to transform challenges into opportunities, and also use so little to do a lot. There is nothing Rwandans cannot overcome, through unity, hard work, and perseverance. We will forever be very grateful to those friends and partners who stood by our side, and some continue to do so, in the search for justice, as well as in development. We also thank the friends who continue to accompany us on the journey to durable peace and prosperity.” Sheri Ritsema-Anderson, the UN Resident Coordinator in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, noted that on April 7, 1994, and during the nearly 100 days that followed, one million Tutsi children, women, and men were mercilessly killed by fellow Rwandans, highlighting that the atrocity saw families turn against each other and friends become adversaries. She said that “we gather not only to reflect on those tragic days, which witnessed the catastrophic loss of up to a million lives, but also to honor the resilience and bravery of those who survived. Their courage and willingness to forgive continue to offer a burst of light and hope amidst one of the most challenging chapters in human history.” She said that 30 years on, this catastrophic event should forever shock the conscience of humanity, serving as a grim reminder of the devastating effects of hatred and the critical need for tolerance and peace. She said that Rwanda's journey of recovery and transformation demonstrates that through unity and a shared commitment to human rights and dignity, rebuilding is indeed possible. Francis Ngarambe, the Chairman of the Rwandan Community in Jordan, indicated that the Genocide against the Tutsi was carefully and systematically planned and executed, with precision and timeliness. He reminded the audience that while remembering the atrocities that were committed, it is a moment to reflect on the resilience of the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Ngarambe called upon friends of Rwanda and the international community to join Rwandans in fighting against anything that intends to take Rwanda back to the same evil period of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He said: “I encourage everyone to actively engage in fighting against genocide ideology and genocide deniers in any form particularly through social media platforms.”
