Rwanda and the global community has embarked on ceremonies to mark 32 years since the 1994 Tutsi genocide, reigniting demands for memory, unity, and caution against hatred.
Rwanda on April 7, embarked on the 32 nd commemoration of the 1994 Tutsi genocide, called Kwibuka32 and ceremonies are to be held locally and worldwide to pay tribute to victims and survivors. This is the day to start 100 days remembrance which is to correspond with the period over which the killings occurred.
The killing of over one million people, predominantly Tutsi and also Moderate Hutu and all those against the mass killing over three months and less, is one of the blackest events in the history of modern time.
Events have been staged across Rwanda and the globe with one being held at the United Nations in New York and others in various places under the title International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Also observing the day is African Union that marks the occasion with annual observance of the date with focus on remembrance and to continue the struggle against genocide ideology and denial every year since 2010.
Rwanda has always dedicated this period to the commemoration which carries the Kinyarwanda name Kwibuka, a word to mean remember, a period to mourn the loss of one million lives and more and a time to heal the living whose lives have been irrevocably shaped by the events of 1994, to remember, to educate and support them, some are still suffering from the effects of the genocide in one way or another.
Events in the 100 days memorial, like the candle-lighting ceremony, survivor accounts and deliberations, will be put in place with the focus on not forgetting the events and the lessons of 1994 to prevent it from happening again.
April 7, in Rwanda is also marked as National day of mourning, the date which also signals the beginning of a full week of mourning and a period of remembrance up to July.
The commemorative events draw the attendance of several governments and international organizations, and community groups worldwide.
