Kwibuka 30 - “Remember, Unite, Renew”

This year marks the 30th anniversary since the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda took place. Every year in April, the world, the victims and survivors of the genocide take time to remember those who lost their lives. “Kwibuka” means “to Remember” in Rwanda’s Kinyarwanda language, which is a time of remembrance and reflection on the past and to ensure it never happens again.

Speaking at the event organized to commemorate the day, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to South Africa, Emmanuel Hategeka, said, “Today, we come together under the theme ‘Remember, Unite, Renew.’ We remember the million lives lost, we unite in our resolve against genocide, and we renew our commitment to unity and peace.” As he spoke, the audience was transported back to 1994, to the heart-wrenching tragedy that unfolded in Rwanda. The loss of over one million innocent lives, a stark reminder of the depths to which humanity can sink. Yet, in the face of such darkness, the resilience of survivors shone through, a beacon of hope for the future.

The High Commissioner’s speech was followed by a moment of silence, a collective reflection on the past and a commitment to a future free from such atrocities. The United Nations Information Centre Director, Masimba Tafirenyika, who delivered the UN Secretary-General’s message” on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, reminded the audience of the importance of peace by saying, “As we remember the million lives lost in the genocide, let their memory inspire us to build a world of understanding and peace. Their spirits urge us to move forward towards unity, compassion, and the strength to prevent such darkness from ever returning. Together, we honour them by forging a brighter future, a renewal.”

In his message, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “We can draw a straight line between the senseless slaughter of one million Tutsi — as well as some Hutu and others who opposed the genocide — and the decades of hate speech that preceded it, enflamed by ethnic tensions and the long shadow of colonialism". 

The event concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to learn more about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the significance of Kwibuka30. As the attendees left the venue, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose, a commitment to remember the past, celebrate the progress made, and look forward with hope and determination.