Africa-Press – Rwanda. Over 400 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda, on April 26, gathered in the capital city of Poland, Warsaw, to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
A documentary film titled “Rwanda from despair to hope”, which explains the Genocide, its historical context, and tells the story of Rwanda’s progress over the past three decades, was shown.
The participants in the commemoration included ministers, members of parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, academia and business leaders.
The event was also marked by the performance of a play entitled “Wipe away your Tears and Stand Up” composed by Jean Marie Vianney Rurangwa and played by Rwandans living in Poland.
It narrated the history of Rwanda before and after the genocide against the Tutsi in an excellent artistic way to transmit history and memory.
Rwanda’s Ambassador Anastase Shyaka recalled that Rwanda’s commitment to remembrance is imperative.
“Our determination for unity is common sense and our resolve for renewal and dignity- Agaciro- is unstoppable.”
Ambassador of Rwanda in Poland Anastase Shyaka speaks during the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in the capital city of Poland, Warsaw on April 26.
He called upon all concerned states to cooperate with the government of Rwanda to investigate, arrest, prosecute or extradite all remaining fugitives accused of participating in the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.
Speaking about Rwanda’s remarkable transformation, post-genocide, Shyaka said: “About 75% of Rwandans today are under age 35. They either have no memory of the Genocide, or were not yet born. They are the guardians of our future and the foundation of our unity. That gives more than hope. Almost all of these young compatriots living here in Poland are in this category.”
The commemoration was graced by the presence of Andrzej Szejna, the Secretary of State in Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Andrzej Szejna, the Secretary of State in Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs addresses mourners during the commemoration in Poland on Friday, April 26
He said: “We know very well that memory can fade away or even be distorted, which is why it is so important to refresh it together. We are doing it today by remembering the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, one of the most systematic genocides in human history, more than a million people lost their lives in just one hundred days.
“Having in mind the images that were coming down from Rwanda thirty years ago, we remember with disbelief and shame the attitude of the international community at the time, which did far too little to stop the genocidal violence. We must not allow such passivity to reoccur. Never again,” he added.
A group of youth performing a play “Wipe away your Tears and Stand Up” composed by Jean Marie Vianney Rurangwa , during the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Poland, Warsaw on April 26. Courtesy
During the event, mourners observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to the victims of the Genocide
Gabriella Morawska, Senator ; Poland-Rwanda Parliamentary Group Friendship vice president addresses mourners during the event.
Rwandans and friends of Rwanda during the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in the capital city of Poland, Warsaw on April 26.
The Commemoration event was attended by diplomats, government officials, Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda
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