The Rwandan Community in Washington State, US, on May 3, hosted a commemoration event marking the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The event aimed to honor Genocide victims, support survivors, and educate the public on the importance of reconciliation, remembering, uniting, and renewing hope. During this event, the City of Bellevue accorded the Rwandan community in Washington State an official Proclamation signed off by the Mayor of the City of Bellevue, declaring April a month of reflection on the Genocide against the Tusti in Rwanda. It is the second US city/state to an official proclamation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi after Maine. On behalf of the city mayor and the City Council, the Proclamation was delivered and read out publicly at the solemn event by Councilmember Jared Nieuwenshuis. ALSO READ: US missionary who stayed in Rwanda during 1994 Genocide hails gacaca courts We sincerely thank the City of Bellevue for being an unwavering partner to the [Rwandan community} for so many years to date and particularly for the support you gave the Community during the entire process up to receiving this official Proclamation, Andrew Ndayambaje, president of the Rwandan community in Washington State said. Philipe Rwinkusi, the President of the Genocide survivors’ association IBUKA, Washington Chapter, also extended his appreciation to the City of Bellevue. This is an important milestone for the survivors community, and we will never forget this recognition,” Rwinkusi said. “We also count on your continued support to the ongoing request process already submitted at the City of Bellevue to erect a permanent Memorial Monument in honor of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 here in the City of Bellevue,he added. Other key officials and dignitaries present included US Congressman Adam Smith, his wife, and his District Representative Andrew Hays, along with other Councilmembers of the City of Bellevue, as well as several partner African community leaders. Congressman Smith, who represents the 9th congressional district, led the ceremony to light the candle of hope. In his remarks, he said he valued working with the Rwandan Community and the Rwandan Government on various issues. It is amazing how your society has rebuilt in the face of such an incredible tragedy, and it is an inspiration to the world to see what communities can do when they come together,” Congressman Smith said. Also present was author and founder of World Outside My Shoes, Carl Wilkens and his wife. Wilkens is also known for being the only American who refused to be evacuated from Rwanda at the onset of the Genocide in 1994. He also participated in the documentary Ghosts of Rwanda. At the event, Wilkens was given time to make a presentation of his testimony of how he survived in Rwanda and how he has went on to be a goodwill Ambasador teaching and spreading the message about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Other leaders, such as the Rwandan Ambassador to the US, Mathilde Mukantabana, Senator Maria Cantwell, and the Governor of Washington State Bob Ferguson, who were not present at the event, sent in their written statements that were read out for the participants.
