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The Rwandan community living in Niger gathered on Saturday June 8, 2024 in Niamey to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi. This ceremony, organized under the slogan “Kwibuka 30, memory, unity and renewal” aims to pay tribute to the victims of this terrible genocide that began on April 7, 1994 and which left nearly a million dead in just 100 days. The ceremony took place in the presence of representatives of the diplomatic corps as well as numerous guests.
In a calm and wait-and-see atmosphere, the participants first paid tribute to the victims of the genocide by lighting candles and observing a minute of silence. In her welcome speech, Ms. Gloriose Daouda, president of the organizing committee of the event, recalled the importance of commemorating this tragic event which deeply marked the history of Rwanda, but also that of the international community. . “April 7, 1994 marks the beginning of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda perpetrated by the extremist Hutu government. In the 100 days that followed, more than 800,000 members of the Tutsi minority were systematically murdered. Moderate Hutus and others who opposed the massacres were also killed during this period. We bear a duty of memory, but above all, we simply cannot forget a nightmare of such magnitude, a vile ordeal which was imposed on an entire community for many years, culminating in the assassination of more than a million of people during these hundred days of massacre,” she said.
Furthermore, this commemoration is an opportunity to raise awareness and remind everyone of the importance of never forgetting these tragic events and of continuing to work for peace and justice in the world. “Today, we remember our dead but we are also happy to see what Rwanda has become. Indeed, Rwanda has since carried out reconciliation work, notably with the creation in 2002 of community courts, the “Gacaca” where victims could hear the “confessions” of the executioners. In addition, the Rwandan government has exploited traditional concepts (Ubudehe, Umuganda, Umusanzu) to stimulate participation and ownership of the development process among the local administration and the beneficiary population. Rwanda continues its struggle and we remain proud of our origins despite the tragedy that has disfigured decades of our history,” she said.
Finally, Ms. Gloriose Daouda expressed her gratitude to Niger for its warm welcome and constant support. “Dear Nigerians, you welcomed us into your home with love, and thus offered a second home, we thank you and are grateful,” she proclaimed.
For his part, Professor Issoufou Katambé (PCA of the Kandadji dam project), gave a poignant testimony on his meeting with certain Rwandan personalities, in particular with Paul Kagamé, President of the Republic of Rwanda, but also on his visit and his impression of the land of a thousand hills. “Rwanda’s strength lies in its development, intensive work, the fight against corruption and the demand for good governance which are the major axes of its policy. To achieve these objectives, several measures have been taken including the important role of women. They are the majority in the National Assembly. Community work every last Saturday of the month in the presence of President Kagame. These sanitation works are the basis of Kigali’s ranking as the cleanest city in Africa. The responsibility of all actors in all actions. The construction of 6000 classes per year with popular participation. The National debate which is held each year in the presence of the President which is a sort of general management audit of the entire society and allows those in power to be rewarded or punished,” he reported. “Today, Rwanda is a modern country admired around the world for its economic performance. A country where the quality of life is high and an ideal place for innovative ideas, research and exploration,” testified Professor Issoufou Katambé.
In addition, representatives of the Rwandan community also gave speeches, followed by videos of testimonies from survivors. Hard testimonies for Mugisha Mbabazi, 19, to hear. “I’m moved,” she confessed. The commemoration of this tragic event is an important moment for Rwanda, according to Paul François. “I feel concerned by everything that is happening in my country. My parents experienced these moments. But today, thank God, the tremendous progress our country has made is evident,” he concluded.
Nazir Ousmane (Intern)
