Today is the beginning of the commemoration week to mark the 21st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It’s a moment for survivors and the entire country to reflect on the worst catastrophe in recent history, which left over one million innocent people dead in just 100 days. As we commemorate, this is a time to recommit our resolve to consolidate the unity and development achieved over the last two decades. The Genocide left wounds that are still trying to heal 21 years later. It destroyed the socio-economic fabric of the country, but we have since embarked on a journey of steady recovery to forge a better Rwanda where everyone is proud to live in peace and in harmony with one another as Rwandans. It has been a long healing process, especially for survivors who up to now are still seeking justice, as many of the penetrators of this heinous crime are still at large, with some being sheltered in some capital cities of the world. Genocide deniers are also determined to belittle the Genocide while some perpetrators are also planning a comeback to accomplish their ‘unfinished business’. As a nation, we must stand strong and maintain the spirit of togetherness and determination which has enabled us to stave off any threat to the gains achieved so far. The last 21 years have proved that we can never allow the repeat of 1994. This has been possible because of the unity and reconciliation achieved over the years. During this commemoration season, let’s recommit to ‘Never Again’ and let’s keep the spirit of nationalism and hard work to move the country to where it deserves to be. The journey to the Rwanda we desire is on a clear growth path, let us keep that momentum.
