The Rwandan High Commission in India, yesterday, joined hands with the UN Information Center for India to organise a solemn ceremony for the 22nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The event, which took place at the UN Information Centre, attracted Rwandans living in and around New Delhi, members of the diplomatic corps, Indian government officials, members of the business community and friends of Rwanda, according to a statement from the High Commission. The ceremony included a prayer led by Msgr Mauro Lalli, a counsellor at the Apostolic Nunciature. Candles were lit in memory of the Genocide victims. Mrsg Lalli, in his prayer, asked God to give strength to President Paul Kagame and the Government of Rwanda to continue to lead their country to economic and social development. Hans Dennberg Castellanos, ambassador of the Dominican Republic and dean of the Diplomatic Corps in India. He emphasised the duty to remember the victims of the Genocide against Tutsi and the necessity for humanity to renew its commitment to the “Never Again” campaign. He also invited the gathering to further show their support to Rwandan people by visiting their country. The Government of India was at the ceremony represented by S. Balachandaran, the deputy secretary in the ministry of external affairs, who paid tribute to the lives lost during the Genocide against Tutsi and commended Rwandans for the efforts in rebuilding their nation. He pledged India’s continued support and partnership in Rwanda’s endeavours. Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India, Ernest Rwamucyo, stressed the importance of the international community coming together to firmly fight against acts of genocide and all manifestations of genocide ideology. “During this Kwibuka (remembrance) 22, we will encourage Rwandans and the international community to relentlessly fight genocide ideology because those who perpetrated the Genocide against the Tutsi and their sympathisers have continued to deny it and distort the truth about what happened,” he said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
