Latest news with #Kwibuka31
IOL News
26-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Remembering genocide: The Rwanda story
On April 7, Rwanda marked the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Picture: Village Urugwiro THE Rwandan High Commission in South Africa is gearing up for a profound moment of reflection as it prepares to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi people, an event known as Kwibuka31. This poignant ceremony will take place on Monday at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria, signaling the beginning of a 100-day period of remembrance. As articulated by the High Commission, this year's commemoration will centre around the unifying theme of 'Remember Unite Renew.' It serves not only as a remembrance of the atrocities but as a call to action for all people of conscience to honour the memories of the victims, stand in solidarity with survivors, and recommit to ensuring that genocide finds no place in the world. 'Kwibuka31 is a moment of remembrance and reaffirmation,' the Commission said, emphasising the importance of the collective obligation to remember and act against such crimes. A critical element of the commemorative event will include testimonies shared by genocide survivors, who will recount their stories of resilience and healing, providing a personal touch to the historical narrative. Among the dignitaries expected at the event are the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in South Africa and a representative from the United Nations, both of whom are poised to address the gathered audience, adding gravitas to an already significant occasion. Emmanuel Hategeka, the Rwandan High Commissioner to South Africa, shared critical insights about the ongoing relevance of Kwibuka31 amidst rising global concerns regarding the recognition of historical genocides. 'Genocide denial, hate speech, and disturbing signs of genocide continue to rise across Africa and beyond, casting a troubling shadow over humanity's progress," he expressed. "We remember not to dwell in our past but to reflect and actively, collectively recommit to the fight against genocide in all its manifestations.' The significance of Kwibuka31 transcends mere commemoration; it presents an urgent call to action in addressing the underlying issues that foster such humanitarian crises. In line with this, Hategeka urged participants to reflect on the root causes of genocide, delineating stages that lead to violence: classification, symbolisation, discrimination, dehumanisation, organisation, polarisation, preparation, persecution, extermination, and ultimately, denial. As globally minded citizens are called to action, it is worth noting that the United Nations has officially recognised 7 April as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This recognition, which first appeared in 2003 and was reaffirmed in 2018, underlines the international community's commitment to addressing and preventing such atrocities. "Kwibuka31 challenges all of us to reaffirm our responsibility to protect innocent citizens, promote human dignity, fight impunity and genocide denial, and uphold justice,' Hategeka concluded, echoing the sentiments that these commemorative events should ignite a universal commitment to act decisively against future atrocities.
Al-Ahram Weekly
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Rwanda marks 31st genocide anniversary in Egypt - City Lights - Life & Style
The Embassy of Rwanda in Egypt hosted a solemn commemoration on Monday to mark the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, Kwibuka 31, uniting diplomats, religious leaders, and Rwandan community members to honour over one million lives lost and reflect on Rwanda's journey of resilience. Rwandan Ambassador to Egypt CG Dan Munyuza led the emotionally charged ceremony, which was attended by Egyptian officials, African diplomats, and international representatives. Ambassador Mohamed Safwat, Egypt's Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for Nile Basin countries, represented the Egyptian government. Dr. Mohamadou Labarang, Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors, Afrexim Bank President Prof. Benedict O. Oramah, and religious leaders from Al-Azhar and the Coptic Orthodox Church also attended the ceremony. Ambassador Munyuza underscored the imperative of remembrance in his address, saying that Kwibuka is not merely about looking back but about confronting the painful truth of our past and safeguarding life for the future. Munyuza praised Egypt's role in fostering development and peace, including joint initiatives to address instability in Eastern DRC. He said that Never Again must be more than a slogan but a commitment backed by concrete actions, urging global solidarity against hate-driven violence. The ceremony highlighted Rwanda's ongoing efforts to recover victims' remains. Recently, 258 bodies have been discovered in Huye District—a grim testament to the genocide's enduring scars. Munyuza emphasised that justice and reconciliation remain central to Rwanda's path forward. He warned of complacency, citing carefully orchestrated campaigns fueled by division. Ambassador Mohamed Safwat, for his part, lauded Rwanda's transformation under President Paul Kagame, calling it an inspiring model for the world. He also cautioned against regional stability and urged concrete action through dialogue. Moreover, Safwat reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to bilateral ties, citing the upcoming Magdy Yacoub Cardiology Hospital in Kigali. He also stressed African solutions to African problems through dialogue and integration amid rising tensions in the Great Lakes region. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
08-04-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Ambassador of Rwanda Praises Egypt's Role in Africa's Peace, Development
Yara Sameh The Ambassador of Rwanda to Egypt, CG Dan Munyuza acknowledged Egypt's partnership with Rwanda in development and peace efforts. The Ambassador made the remarks on Monday as the Embassy of Rwanda in Egypt hosted a solemn commemoration event to mark the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, known as Kwibuka 31. Kwibuka is observed annually from April 7 to July 4. The gathering brought together diplomats, members of the business community, religious leaders, members of the Rwandan community, and friends of Rwanda to honor the victims and reflect on the lessons of this dark chapter in history. The government of Egypt was represented by Ambassador Mohamed Safwat, Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for Nile Basin countries. Also in attendance was Dr. Mohamadou Labarang, the Dean of African Group of Ambassadors and Ambassador of Cameroun, Afrexim Bank president, Prof. Benedict O. Oramah, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed El Amin, Representative of Azhar and Priest Moussa Ebeid, Representative of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Ambassador CG Dan Munyuza, Rwanda's envoy to Egypt, delivered a moving speech, paying tribute to the more than one million innocent lives lost in just 100 days. He emphasized the importance of remembrance as a sacred duty and a guiding light for future generations. Key Excerpts from the Ambassador's Speech: "Kwibuka—meaning 'to remember'—is not merely about looking back. It is about confronting the painful truth of our past and safeguarding life for the future." "Rwanda learned the hard way that no one was going to intervene and stop the massacres. Today, we stand as a testament to resilience, unity, and progress." "The genocide against the Tutsi was not spontaneous. It was a carefully orchestrated campaign fueled by division, hatred, and the failure of the international community." The Ambassador also highlighted Rwanda's ongoing efforts to uncover the remains of victims, with 258 bodies recently discovered in Huye District of the Souther Province of Rwanda—a stark reminder that the wounds of 1994 remain fresh for survivors and the nation. A Call for Global Vigilance Ambassador Munyuza raised concerns about the persistent threat of genocide ideology, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Tutsi communities continue to face persecution. He condemned the activities of the FDLR, a genocidal militia linked to the 1994 atrocities, and called for international action to dismantle hate-driven violence. "Never Again must be more than a slogan. It must be a commitment backed by concrete actions to protect those at risk," he declared. Gratitude to Egypt The Ambassador acknowledged Egypt's partnership with Rwanda in development and peace efforts, including collaborative discussions on resolving the crisis in Eastern DRC. In his remarks as Guest of Honor, Ambassador Mohamed Safwat, Egypt's Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister, praised Rwanda's resilience, stating: "The courageous Rwandan people, under President Paul Kagame's visionary leadership, have transformed their nation into an inspiring model for the world." He emphasized the importance of regional stability, calling for "African solutions to African problems through dialogue and integration" while highlighting Egypt's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, including the soon-to-open Magdy Yacoub Cardiology Hospital in Kigali. Ambassador Mohamed Safwat further raised an alarm, regarding the unfolding situation in the greatlakes region, calling for concrete action. "As we stand united in remembrance, the resurgence of instability in the Great Lakes region weighs heavily on our collective conscience," He emphasized. "Sustainable peace and prosperity can only be rooted in dialogue, regional integration, and respect for sovereignty—principles that must guide our shared commitment to 'African Solutions for African Problems.'" He added, reaffirming Egypt's full support for ongoing mediation efforts. Event Highlights: A moment of silence to honor the victims. Lighting the Flame of Remembrance, symbolizing hope and resilience. 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Korea Herald
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Rwanda honors 1994 genocide victims, calls for lessons from history
The Rwandan Embassy in Seoul marked the 31st anniversary of the 1994 genocide of the Tutsi with a solemn remembrance ceremony on Monday, urging the international community to learn from history to achieve peace and justice. Commemorating the "Kwibuka31" ceremony, the embassy remembered the genocide that claimed the lives of more than 1 million people in just 100 days, mostly Tutsi and moderate Hutu. Adriel Niyodusaba, representing the Rwandan community in South Korea, called the genocide 'an unimaginable tragedy' and emphasized that "kwibuka," meaning 'to remember' in Rwanda's national language Kinyarwanda, is more than mourning: 'It is a call to ensure such darkness never returns.' He said that this year's ceremony theme — "Remembrance, Unity and Renewal" — underscores vigilance against division and extremism, as well as honoring victims by building a better, more peaceful world. 'Never again shall we allow genocide to happen. There should be no excuse for the next genocide — anywhere, anytime, against anyone in this world,' said Togolani Mavura, Tanzanian ambassador to Korea, who delivered remarks at the event as vice dean of the African Group of Ambassadors. Mavura called on the global community to uphold the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and regional commitments under the Dar es Salaam Declaration and the Pact on Peace, Security, Stability and Development of the Great Lakes Region, which concerns Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. 'Let us make genocide the agony of the 20th century,' Mavura urged. 'Kwibuka means 'to remember.' And in remembering, we commit ourselves to ensuring that 'Never Again' is not just a slogan — but a promise backed by action," said Rwandan Ambassador to Korea Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi in his remarks. According to the United Nations, an estimated 150,000 to 250,000 women were raped during the genocide, making it one of the most horrific atrocities of the 20th century. 'It is a time to honor the victims, to comfort the survivors and to salute those who stopped the genocide and rebuilt our country from its ashes,' said Manzi. Manzi recalled Rwanda's painful past, colonial hardships and decades of division that laid the groundwork for genocide. 'The genocide did not happen in a vacuum. It was the result of decades of ethnic-based hatred and division, introduced during colonial rule and perpetuated by successive regimes,' he said, remembering the tragedy that reached its climax on April 7, 1994, when an extremist-led interim government unleashed systematic violence. 'In 100 days, the country descended into horror. Yet from that darkness rose a new Rwanda — one that chose unity over division, reconciliation over revenge,' Manzi said. He praised the Rwandan people's resilience and their journey toward healing through the Government of National Unity and the principle of 'Ndi Umunyarwanda' ("I am Rwandan"), which emphasizes shared identity and reconciliation. 'Survivors had to live beside perpetrators. Hatred lingered. Trust was broken. But Rwanda prioritized reconciliation and built a foundation of resilience, dignity and shared identity,' he said. Manzi also addressed current challenges, including regional tensions and unresolved historical responsibilities. 'The genocide ideology must be challenged wherever it exists, and those who deny or distort this tragedy must be held accountable,' he said, adding that remembering is not just a reflection of the past but a call to action. sanjaykumar@
