American Embassy staff mark Genocide anniversary

The US Embassy in Rwanda has been urged to commit its partnership in the quest to bring Genocidaires to justice. This is the initial step to commemorate those lost lives during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and to empower those left behind.The remarks were made by the board chairman of the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG), Dr. John Rutayisire, during a memorial ceremony to honour US Mission employees who lost their lives during the Genocide.The commemoration took place at the US Embassy in Kigali, where U.S. Mission staff, relatives of former employees, members of the media, government officials, and other mourners listened to personal testimonies and poetry readings dedicated to the Genocide. “I am calling upon the United States to continue to bring Genocidaires, who are roaming the world, to justice and educate those who are ignoring the Genocide,” said Dr. Rutayisire, acknowledging the task presented before Rwanda.Young adults who lost their parents employed by US Mission, formed a special choir for the occasion entitled Rising Disciples Choir.“In this world you are your own soldier. We will give you the ammunition, but you must fight and survive,” Rutayisire echoed sentiments of accountability towards the young audience. During a poetry reading by Diane Kayiteta, the 22-year-old shared words of wisdom and encouragement in her poem Flame of Life. “We don’t miss you anymore, we came to realise that you just moved on the other side of life... For us, or them, for you, we live,” she said.Kayitare and her older sister witnessed the death of their parents during the Genocide in 1994. She was 3.The US Mission lost 25 employees in total. Twenty one employees were married with children.Many in attendance shared how they admired the tenacity of the Rwandan people and commended them for their peace building efforts.Dr. Rutayisire said, in honouring the lives lost during the Genocide, “It is important for us to continue to disseminate these messages for harmonious coexistence”.