08-04-2025
Rwandan Embassy in Rabat Commemorates 31 Years Since Tutsi Genocide
Rabat— Yesterday, April 7, the Rwanda Embassy in Rabat, in collaboration with the Rwandan community in Morocco, friends of Rwanda, members of the diplomatic corps, and Moroccan officials, held a solemn ceremony at the National Library to mark the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
'First of all we commemorate because we remember what happened 31 years ago and we do remember because we want to take lessons from the past and make sure that what happened in Rwanda in 1994 doesn't happen again,' Ambassador to Morocco, Shakila K. Umutoni, said on the purpose of the event in an interview with Morocco World News (MWN).
Under the emblem 'Remember, Unite, Renew,' the solemn but poignant event brought together 300 participants, including high-level officials representing the strong ties between Rwanda and Morocco. This year's ceremony was attended by Moroccan Human Rights Council (CNDH) President Amina Bouayach, Ministerial Delegate for Human Rights Mohammed Habib Belkouch, and Loubna Ait Basidi, who represented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In remarks at the event, Belkouch described the commemoration as a symbolic event of great importance for human reconciliation, applauding Rwanda's efforts to rebuild after the devastating genocide and affirming the Rwandan people's 'right to memory' as a way to honor victims and prevent the repetition of such horrors. He reiterated Morocco's support for Rwanda, citing King Mohammed VI's 2016 visit to the country as a testament to the strength of bilateral ties, and acknowledged the damaging role of Belgian colonialism in sowing ethnic divisions.
For her part, Bouayach reflected on the unimaginable loss of one million lives due to perceived differences, warning that hatred, though it evolves in language and form, never truly disappears, genocide is never announced and 'once it starts it's already too late.' She stressed that the genocide is not merely a historical event but a 'universal trauma' that demands continuous vigilance and a daily commitment to the fight for human dignity, reminding that 'humanity is never acquired.'
Loubna Ait Basidi attended the event on behalf of Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita who was unable to attend the event as a guest of honor. Representing all Moroccans, Basidi expressed solidarity with the Rwandan people and reiterated Morocco's commitment to preserving peace and stability across the African continent. She also commended the cooperation between Morocco and Rwanda, expressing hope that the Rwandan 'flame of hope' would light the path ahead.
For the past three decades, remembrance are annually held from April 7 to July 3 in Rwanda and across the globe to honor the memory of the one million Tutsis brutally murdered during the 100-day genocide in 1994.
These commemorations not only pay tribute to the victims but also aim to draw lessons from the past to prevent such atrocities from ever occurring again, while offering support to survivors and recognizing the Rwandans who helped bring the massacres to an end.
This year's ceremony was a testament to the was the importance of sharing stories of resilience as a means of remembrance and healing.
Valaence Kamrari, a survivor of the Tutsi genocide, was among the attendees – serving as a reminder that this atrocity was not far back in history. Kamrari had traveled from France to share his personal testimony in Rabat. At just six years old, he witnessed the horrors of the genocide unfold before his eyes. Kamarari expressed that he was never able to truly celebrate his own birthday, which falls on April 30 – durnig the genocide's timeline – because it is a too painful. It was a poignant reminder that trauma of such magnitude is not confined to the past but leaves a lasting, life-altering impact.
The commemoration also recognizes the remarkable journey of Rwanda's recovery and the resilience of its people. Despite global doubts, Rwanda has rebuilt itself through unity, reconciliation, and visionary leadership, transforming into a country focused on development and national cohesion.
'Another reason that it's important for Rwanda to hold commemoration events is to also acknowledge the resilience of the Rwandan people and the renewal after the genocide,' Said Umutoni further said to MWN. 'While the international community thought it was impossible to rebuild the Rwandan people, show the world that it's possible when you come together, it's possible when you reconcile your people.'
'This is actually a reminder that solidarity comes from the top,' concluded Umutoni, referring to the 2016 visit of King Mohammed VI to Rwanda, where he left a powerful message of support at the genocide memorial.
This year's commemoration not only honors the past but also reaffirms the enduring friendship between the Rwandan and Moroccan people, offering hope for a continued and strengthened relationship. Tags: Morocco and RwandaRwanda ambassador to Rabatrwandan genocide
