The weeklong official commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi may have come to an end Monday, April 13, but remembrance is something we will always practice, individually and collectively. Indeed, as is always the case, Genocide commemoration activities will last the entire duration of the 100-day slaughter until the eve of the Liberation Anniversary due July 4. This year, as a result of the current Covid-19 lockdown, it was impossible to physically come together to remember those who tragically lost their lives because of who they were, but this did not stop us from paying our homage to the over a million Rwandans killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi. We commend the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG), Genocide survivor organisations such as Ibuka, government institutions and other stakeholders who made it possible for Rwandans to follow and participate in commemoration discussions from their own homes. Thanks to technology, media outlets played a crucial role in facilitating citizens to come together, commemorate and share testimonies and hope for regeneration. This underscored the fact that nothing can stop the people of Rwanda from honouring the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and renew their commitment to a united, inclusive country. Yes, it was obviously particularly challenging for survivors given the circumstances but they can take some comfort in the fact that the nation came together to pay tribute to slain loved ones and recommit to the journey of healing and renewal. Moreover, with the country making progress in containing the spread of the coronavirus there is hope the lockdown will be lifted in time to allow for survivors and citizens in general to visit memorial sites and physically pay homage to the victims. Unfortunately, a few people, especially internet trolls, once again tried to undermine the memory of Genocide victims –through hateful actions and insults – but there is no doubt that these increasingly isolated ideologues will be defeated. We must not be distracted by such fringe elements and instead focus on doing what is right; which is remembering victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and building a country every Rwandan will be proud to call home.
