The Embassy of Rwanda in the Republic of Congo, together with the Rwandan community, held a ceremony to mark the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event took place at the Mémorial Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza and brought together more than 350 participants.
Senior officials from the Government of Congo attended the event. Diplomats, international organizations, NGOs, private sector representatives, and friends of Rwanda also joined the ceremony.
Leaders Show Support and Solidarity
Minister Gilbert Mokoki represented the Government of Congo. He is in charge of state oversight, public service quality, and the fight against corruption and injustice. His presence showed strong support for Rwanda and respect for the victims.
A Time to Remember and Reflect
The ceremony started with a moment of silence to honor the victims. Participants then lit candles in their memory. Young people under 20 shared messages based on the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew.” Their words showed the importance of teaching future generations.
Ambassador Calls for Unity and Action
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Congo, Parfait Busabizwa, thanked everyone who attended. He said commemoration helps honor victims, support survivors, and recognize those who stopped the genocide.
He explained that the genocide was planned and driven by hatred and division. He also warned against genocide denial, especially on social media. He urged countries to take action and enforce international laws and United Nations resolutions.
The Ambassador added that remembrance should help build a better future. He pointed to Rwanda’s efforts in unity and reconciliation, including the Gacaca courts and the Ndi Umunyarwanda program.
UN Warns About Ongoing Threats
Gon Myers spoke on behalf of the UN Coordinator. He praised Rwanda’s progress but warned that genocide ideology still exists in the region. He said groups like the FDLR continue to spread hatred and cause instability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
He called on the international community to act and stop such groups. He urged the world to learn from history and prevent future genocides. A message from UN Secretary General António Guterres was also shared during the event.
Art and Testimonies Keep Memory Alive
The ceremony included a documentary about the genocide and its impact. Poetry performances also added strong emotional messages. Dr. Appolos N. shared a poem about his experience after the genocide. Kundwa Ayan encouraged young people to build a future free from hatred.
Looking Ahead with Responsibility
The event reminded participants that remembrance is not only about the past. It also means building a future based on unity, truth, and responsibility. Everyone was encouraged to stand against division and ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
