The Kwibuka Flame is held by two twenty year old Rwandans symbolizing the resilient Rwandan spirit at the launch – the flame will travel trough the 30 districts of the country
Activities for the twentieth commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis, formally commenced on January 7, 2014, with the lighting of the Kwibuka (remembrance) Flame, and a website, that will engage both Rwandans and the world to keep the memory of genocide.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Louise Mushikiwabo launched the 20th commemoration-dubbed-Kwibuka20 – at Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, located in Gisozi.
The flame will pass through all the 30 districts of Rwanda and signify the beginning of events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed over a million people, while the website, (kwibuka.rw) will be a resource for anyone, anywhere in the world, to engage in commemoration-related activities and organise their own events.
As Rwanda starts activities for the twentieth commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis, the government has called on its people and the world to join hands in keeping memory of the one million lives lost in 1994 and engagement in the fight against genocide in Rwanda and elsewhere.
Minister Mushikiwabo said that Rwanda seeks to remember, in order to reflect on the lives lost as well as what the country and its people have been through. She said that in the last twenty years, Rwandans have experienced pain and challenges, but have also seen progress and opportunity.
She noted that remembrance is a must for Rwandans and the world too, but stressed the Never Again notion, so that genocide never happens again.
“We do so not to inspire pity or guilt, but rather because the lessons of 1994 have resonance far beyond Rwanda’s borders. We invite the world to remember with us.
She also said that Kwibuka20 is a time to join in solemn remembrance, to reflect on the past twenty years, and to turn attention to the challenges that lie ahead.
“It is a time to recommit ourselves to the simple but powerful idea: Never Again. Not just for Rwanda, but for the world. But for Never Again to be a reality – and not just words — Never Forget must also be our creed.”
Why remember
Rwanda believes that it’s important to keep memory of the lives of the one million Rwandans who perished in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as a sign of respect, showing solidarity with survivors and uniting to ensure it never happens again – in Rwanda or elsewhere and it is also a chance to learn about the country’s story of reconciliation and nation building.
“We must never forget what happened here, and why. We must never forget how the world stood by, capable of intervening to prevent or reduce the slaughter, but unwilling to do so. We must never forget the million lives lost, the countless lives destroyed.
Mushikiwabo, who is also a government spokesperson says that in remembering Rwandans find powerful inspiration to build a strong, hopeful society capable of resisting the re-emergence of state-sponsored hatred, pernicious foreign influence and violence that destroyed Rwandans twenty years ago.
Progress made
Though Rwanda has gone through hardships caused by the aftermath of genocide, 20 years down the road the country has made progress and this is because Rwandans decided to take the path of peace and reconciliation, instead of revenge, as a way of rebuilding the nation again.
Through the Gacaca courts, Rwanda has taken on a measure of justice to resolve cases of genocide, but community based efforts of unity and reconciliation, supporting survivors have also been in put in place- and most recently initiated national campaign- Ndi Umunyarwanda (I am a Rwandan)
Theodette Abayisenga , a genocide survivor at Nyange School Class of 1994, who refused to separate herself from other students on ethnic grounds gives a touching testimony of what it means to be Rwandan.
She says “We are all Rwandans, that is what is important. As students, we refused to accept to be separated on ethnic grounds, and some of my friends were killed in front of me. Today I am handicapped because of genocide, but feel able and proud because ‘I am Rwandan’, ready to serve other handicapped persons without ethnic sentiments or looking at the cause of my present physical status…I am proud” she narrates.
Rwanda’s foreign minister says that Rwandans cannot escape the past, and should not try. “We are bound to our history but, with honest and compassionate reflection, we are not bound to repeat it. In fact, it is only in memory we can find the seeds of renewal.
Commemoration activities
This year is particular and distinct as Rwandans start commemorating genocide for the 20th time ahead of the official Genocide commemoration that starts on April 7th.
The period between now and 7 April will focus on preparing the 20th Commemoration, dialogue and concrete action to support survivors.
The discussions will also centre on building the Rwandan Spirit through the Ndi Umunyarwanda program.’’
Up until April 7, community discussions will take place in each of the 30 district, and in the Rwandan Diaspora to offer Rwandans friends of Rwanda the opportunity to reflect on the events of 1994 as well as the country’s journey since.
The Kwibuka Flame, which was lighted using traditional techniques, symbolizes remembrance as well as the resilience and courage of Rwandans over the past twenty years.
The flame will shine amidst these communities and passed on from one community to another in the next days until it returns to Kigali at the official annual kick off of the 100 days of genocide commemoration countrywide.
