Africa-Press – Rwanda. The Rwandan diaspora has a significant role to play in preserving the memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and actively fighting against denialism, even beyond the commemoration period, said Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimana.
He made the remarks during a commemoration event organised by Our Past Initiative in collaboration with Ibuka France, on May 4 at Mémorial de la Shoah.
This was part of the commemoration events held in Europe, organised by the Rwandan youth-led initiative, aimed to expose the young diaspora to the country’s history and support them in the fight against misinformation, Genocide denial and revisionism, as well as anti-Rwanda campaigns rampant in European countries.
Amb. Nkulikiyimana emphasized the importance of protecting the country’s history not only by preserving it, but also by defending it against Genocide deniers.
Our Past also held two commemoration events in Rome, Italy at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and Salesian Pontifical University, in collaboration with Ibuka Italia and Inganji traditional troupe.
The Europe tour came after successfully holding 16 editions of Our Past event aimed at sparking conversations about Rwanda’s past and simultaneously educating the youth on the Genocide. Held annually on April 9 in Kigali, the recent gathering brought together more than 8,000 young people and officials.
Addressing the participants in Paris, France, Amb. Nkulikiyimana emphasized the importance of protecting the country’s history not only by preserving it, but also by defending it against Genocide deniers.
He noted that the duty to preserve historical truth and memory is a collective effort, urging the young people to act on what they have learnt in the fight against the anti-Rwanda campaigns and distortion of truth, even beyond the commemoration period.
“I hope that what we have learned today will not stop here, you will continue to carry the message you have heard here. Let’s remember and rebuild.”
Christophe Renzaho, President of the Rwandan Community of France, said that holding such commemoration events is not a choice but a necessity, noting that it means creating a space where history can be shared and heard, felt and collectively carried on.
Youth play a sketch during a commemoration event
“Passing on this memory means refusing to allow it to be trampled by indifference or ignorance…seeing young people get involved, listening with respect, that’s what matters most. Memory is only powerful when it is transmitted and as long as there are hands stretched out to carry it, it will not fade,” he added.
During the commemoration in Rome, Italy, Christian Intwari, Founder and Executive Director of Our Past Initiative, reminded the participants that confronting Genocide denial is a global responsibility by sharing facts from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“To those who still carry genocide ideology, Rwanda is stronger than ever, we are never going back to those dark places, and you must choose wisely,” he said.
Throughout the commemoration tour, Malaika Uwamahoro and a team of creatives performed a play titled “Rhymes of Remembrance” that showcases the events that led up to the planning and execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the loss that survivors carry but also the resilience that enabled the country to rebuild from ashes.
Our Past Initiative is expected to join Rwandan students in Poland who are also organising a youth commemoration event.
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