It’s been three decades since the April 7-July 19, 1994 Genocide in Rwanda, when armed Hutu militias murdered close to 1 million members of the Tutsi minority ethnic group, as well as some moderate Hutu and Twa people. In a 30th anniversary commemoration, more than 100 people gathered at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on April 16 to remember the many victims, uplift resilience, and emphasize the importance of progress.
The commemoration was organized by Her Excellency Mathilde Mukantabana, the Republic of Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States.
The gathering of genocide survivors, government officials from Kigali and the U.S., members of Congress, diplomats, and friends of Rwanda was a somber reflection, and an emphasis that such a tragedy must never again occur in Rwanda or worldwide.
“The blood of the innocent ran unregulated down the streets of Rwanda because much of the world watched and did nothing. Today, we remember the victims and honor the courage and sacrifice of the survivors,” said Democratic Illinois Rep. Jonathan Jackson.
President Bill Clinton, who was in Kigali for the 30th commemoration, has often cited the Rwanda genocide as a failure of his administration. French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the “overwhelming responsibility” of France – Rwanda’s closest European ally in 1994 – for lacking the will to stop the genocide.
Parts of the program were harrowing, including a tearful testimony by Immaculee Gakwaya Songa, a survivor who witnessed the slaughter of family members and friends. She also shared her terror of remaining in hiding and surviving for three months in the woods.
Thirty years later, the remains of victims are still being uncovered. Less than two weeks ago in the farming community of Huye, the remains of 1,000 people were discovered and are believed to be victims of the genocide.
While reflecting on Kwibuka 30, Rwanda President Paul Kagame said, “Today, our hearts are filled with grief and gratitude in equal measure. We remember our dead and are also grateful for what Rwanda has become. To the survivors among us, we are in your debt.”
Shanta Bryant Gyan, president of ContentFrontiers, who also attended the event on Capitol Hill, noted the commemoration as “a day of remembrance, profound hope, and [offering] the grace to forgive.”
“The powerful testimonies and stories of resilience and perseverance demonstrated the strength of a people and nation who refused to be victims but instead focused on healing and rebuilding a nation,” she continued. “However, Remembrance Day serves as a strong reminder that we should never stand by and allow such atrocities to occur again.”