As 100 days of commemoration are still ongoing, Rwandan communities around the world are gathering to honor the victims of Genocide Against Tutsi in 1994.
This May, 4th, more than 600 Rwandans and their friends met in Nottingham city for the 25th commemoration of Genocide Against Tutsi. The youth-dominated community debuted with Walk to Remember from Motorpoint Arena Carpark towards Church of England of St Mary’s the Virgin.
The Walk was attended by Nottingham and Nottinghamshire mayors, members of parliament for Nottingham North, Alex Norris and of South, Lilian Greenwood. Labour Minister of international Development, Police & Crime Commissioners, Joint Security Forces, academic from university, community leaders and faith leaders also were in attendance to show dignity, solidarity and encouragement towards Genocide survivors. Hundreds of car drivers showed support with thumbs up, visible car headlights and horns.
At Church of England, which hosted the second part of the event; mostly consisted with of speeches, the event was launched by a prayer led by Reverend Christopher Harrison. Nottingham Rainbow Choir performed three songs in different languages to highlight the development and diversity of current Rwanda.
Dr. Michael Gray, Director of Academic and University Program at London Harrow School educated the audience on the roles of both the first and second Republic in lead up to Genocide Against Tutsi in 1994. He revealed that Genocide Against Tutsi was daily ordeal decades before its implementation, emphasizing how the government openly directed its application. Therefore, he concluded that this was a remarkable failure to United Nations which had information of these preparations but could not prevent such atrocity.
Ms Beatha Uwazaninka recounted her tragic story towards survivor. The then-teenager girl is now a UK citizen and a mother of two. She narrated how her parents were thrown in Nyabarongo river alive. Beatha was in Kigali at her uncle’s. Her uncle was later murdered with machetes together with all his family but Beatha survived because her name was not registered among those who should be killed. She was rescued by later a stranger and survived.
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham Laiqat Ali informed the audience of his grieves when he learnt of about the Genocide in Rwanda. The Kashmir origin Mayor said his understanding of the problem is high because of his background and pledged his encouragement to continue to support survivors even after his time as Mayor elapses.
Mr. Amdani Juma, the chair of Nottingham Rwandan Community expressed his genuine gratitude to the forces of RPA who stopped Genocide and started vital duty of rescuing survivors. He also appreciated survivors’ efforts to cooperate with the government for peace and reconciliation that have been profoundly vital to current visible development of Rwanda.
wanda’s first Counsellor of Rwanda High Commission in the UK and Ireland Mr. Fidelis Mironko, thanked high authorities who were present to partner with Rwandans in this year’s commemoration. He mentioned that Rwanda’s policies will continue to base on good governance, equal rights, and engaging women and youth in leadership in reverse of injustice, impunity and discrimination which characterized the government of perpetrators of Genocide Against Tutsi in 1994.
The event was concluded by lightning 25 candles which symbolizes 25 years since Genocide Against Tutsi. There were also exhibition, betworking and sharing soft drinks provided by Rwandan communities in UK.
The Express News
