Africa-Press – Rwanda. Harvard University on Wednesday, April 17 held a commemoration event to honor the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
During the event, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, emphasised the ongoing struggle against remnants of genocidal forces, particularly the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), which continue to operate in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The event was organised by the Harvard African Law Association in collaboration with the Rwandan Students Community at Harvard University and the Rwandan Community in Boston.
Ugirashebuja highlighted the concerning support these genocidal forces receive in the region and their persistent threats to reorganise and perpetrate further violence.
“We must actively combat the genocide ideology and denial with unflinching determination. These toxic elements—ideology and hate speech—are insidious recipes that can lead to the darkest depths of human cruelty. Let us stand united against them, ensuring that history’s painful lessons guide us toward aspiring for a future of a safe and just space for humanity,” the Justice Minister said.
Michael Butera, a student at Harvard, stressed the significance of Kwibuka 30 for the Rwandan community abroad, particularly for the younger generation who did not directly experience the genocide. He emphasised the event’s forward-looking nature, aimed at ensuring that such horrors are never repeated.
Former prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Florida Kabasinga, shared experiences from her time gathering evidence at the tribunal, offering insight into the pursuit of justice for the genocide’s victims.
Michael Fairbanks and Professor Hansen from Harvard University reflected on Rwanda’s remarkable journey of recovery over the past three decades, describing it as a “rising phoenix from the ashes” and highlighting the nation’s progress in redefining its history.
Elsewhere, Georgetown University also joined in the commemoration with an event titled “Choosing Hope: Rebuilding Rwanda 30 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi.”
Arthur Asiimwe, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Rwandan embassy in Washington DC, outlined Rwanda’s transformation, emphasising the country’s leadership in areas such as women empowerment, peace, security, and anti-corruption efforts.
The commemoration at Georgetown University featured a screening of the documentary “Rwanda: From Despair to Hope,” providing attendees with a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s journey from a nearly failed country to a prosperous one.
Several other universities across the USA, including Tufts University, Middlebury College, and Oklahoma Christian University, have also hosted Kwibuka 30 events, underscoring the widespread commitment to honoring the memory of victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi and supporting Rwanda’s journey of healing and progress.
For More News And Analysis About Rwanda Follow Africa-Press
