08.04.2021

Rwanda commemorates the victims of the genocide

The genocide of the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994 has caused much pain, guilt and shame. With the support of the UEM, members of the Presbyterian and Anglican Churches in Rwanda are accompanying several projects that deal with the consequences of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
On 7 April 1994, the genocide against the Tutsi minority in Rwanda began. Today, 27 years later, the genocide in Rwanda is commemorated worldwide for one week. At that time, over 800,000 innocent people were brutally killed within a few weeks.

National Day of Remembrance
On 7 April 2021, high-level officials gathered at Gisozi, the genocide memorial site near Kigali, to light the Flame of Hope and kick off commemorations. No public gatherings are allowed during this year's commemoration week. Due to Covid-19, most of the planned activities will be broadcast on national television and livestreamed on many social media platforms. Genocide memorials may be visited throughout the country during Remembrance Week. Furthermore, a youth conference is planned to provide information about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis. Finally, a tribute to politicians killed in the genocide is planned for 13 April. On that day, a virtual conference will discuss, among other things, the role of political parties in building a peaceful nation.
Restaurants and hotels will be open during the week-long national commemoration.

May God strengthen and bless the people suffering the consequences of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis.

Rev. Dr John Wesley Kabango, Head of the Africa Department of the UEM