Regional science body honours 1994 Genocide victims, reaffirms commitment to remembrance, resilience

In solidarity with Rwanda during the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) on Friday, April 11, paid tribute to the victims of the massacres at Kigali Genocide Memorial. ALSO READ: Beyond forgiveness: Genocide survivor finds love where pain once lived The delegation began their visit with a guided tour of the memorial, gaining deeper insight into Rwanda’s history before, during, and after colonial rule, highlighting how colonial policies sowed seeds of division that culminated in the 1994 Genocide. The team also learned about Rwanda’s remarkable post-genocide recovery across various sectors, including justice, education, economics, and reconciliation, among others. ALSO READ: Linda Melvern’s new book exposes patterns of Genocide denial Following the tour, the EASTECO team laid a wreath at the mass graves, honouring the lives lost during the genocide. Sylvance O. Okoth, the Executive Secretary of EASTECO, described the occasion as both solemn and enlightening. “We recommit ourselves to promoting a culture of remembrance and resilience. May the memory of the victims inspire us to never remain silent in the face of injustice and to work tirelessly for a better, united, and a more compassionate East Africa,” he said. ALSO READ: ‘April 12 is our birthday’, genocide survivor narrates journey from horror to hope in Nyanza-Kicukiro “We came as a team to commemorate together with the Republic of Rwanda and its people. The Commission, as the only EAC institution based in Rwanda, stands with the country during this moment of reflection.” Okoth noted that the experience at the memorial was enriching and educational, especially for members of a regional bloc like the East African Community (EAC), whose core mission is to widen and to deepen integration. ALSO READ: April 12, 1994: ‘The signal for genocidaires to move toward the apocalypse’ “Integration is about peace, love, togetherness, and prosperity,” he said. “Our experience here has taught us that even small, unresolved differences can spiral into hatred and, ultimately, tragedy.” He stressed the importance of proactively fostering unity and love, resolving tensions early, and promoting tolerance in every society. “The genocide didn’t start in 1994. It was a culmination of years of unchecked divisionism. We must ensure that we plant seeds of unity and peace in our communities to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.” The Executive Secretary also pointed out that Rwanda is not alone in having experienced such horrors, citing other global atrocities like the Holocaust and the Kosovo conflict. “Genocide can happen anywhere if differences are not managed early and responsibly. It’s a universal lesson.” He emphasised that the commemoration is not just about remembering the past but also about reaffirming a collective commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity. “As a regional institution dedicated to promoting science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development, EASTECO believes that knowledge, education and ethical leadership are powerful tools in preventing genocide and other crimes against humanity,” he said. He added that scientific research and technological advancement play a vital role not only in driving economic growth but also in building inclusive societies rooted in truth, reconciliation, and mutual respect. “Leveraging science, technology, and innovation (STI) can greatly enhance efforts to prevent, document, respond to, and recover from genocides,” Okoth said. He highlighted the role STI can play in combating genocide denial through digital archives of testimonies, photographs, and documents. Data analytics, he explained, can be used to track online discourse and detect instances of genocide denial, allowing organisations to respond swiftly and accurately. “Virtual reality and other immersive technologies can also educate people about the Genocide's historical context and emotional toll, fostering empathy and understanding,” he added. “Such tools can support justice processes and ensure perpetrators of genocide denial are held accountable.”

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Regional science body honours 1994 Genocide victims, reaffirms commitment to remembrance, resilience