On April 13, 2024, Rwanda wrapped up its commemoration week with a solemn gathering at the Rebero Genocide Memorial. The President of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Dr. Kalinda François-Xavier, along with government officials, dignitaries, families, and friends, came together to honor the memory of 21 politicians who were murdered for opposing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. They also laid wreaths at the memorial sites of 12 politicians and over 14,000 victims of the genocide.
In his address, Senate President Dr. Kalinda highlighted the importance of remembering these courageous politicians who stood against the Genocide and advocated for unity and good governance. He underscored their exemplary role in rejecting injustice and fostering harmony among Rwandans.
Dr. Kalinda stressed the duty of contemporary politicians, stating, “Today’s political organizations and their members bear a significant responsibility to fight against genocide ideology and to uphold the unity of Rwandans.”
He continued, “Political entities and their leaders must continually prioritize the promotion of unity in their political endeavors.”
The Senate President emphasized the need to remember the Genocide against the Tutsi to ensure unity and readiness to confront any resurgence of genocide ideology. He concluded, “We must never forget the history of the Genocide so that we remain united and vigilant against any form of genocide ideology.”
The period of remembrance for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi will continue for 100 days.
