Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
Qatar exemplified its unwavering support and solidarity with Rwanda by commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Genocide Against the Tutsi.
Dignitaries from various sectors, including esteemed leaders, heads of institutions, heads of missions and special guests such as HE Ibrahim Yousef Fakhro, director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and HE Mubarak Mohammed Al Khalifa, assistant director of the African Affairs Department, joined with Ambassador of Rwanda to Qatar HE Igor Marara and the members of Rwandan Community in Qatar at the event.
The attendees paid tribute to the more than one million lives tragically lost during this dark chapter in history.
On April 7, 1994, Rwanda was thrust into a nightmare as a genocide targeted the Tutsi minority, resulting in over a million deaths within 100 days.
The term ‘Kwibuka’, meaning ‘to remember’ in Kinyarwanda, encapsulates the solemn essence of the commemoration. Attendees solemnly observed a minute of silence, followed by the symbolic act of lighting the flame of hope.
This poignant gesture symbolised the spirit of renewal that emerged from the ashes of tragedy.
This year’s commemoration serves as an opportunity for Rwandans and the global community to honour the victims, console the survivors and reflect on Rwanda’s remarkable journey of recovery, reconciliation and resilience, with national unity serving as the cornerstone of the country’s stability and progress.
In his poignant address, Ambassador Marara underscored the imperative of collective action in combating genocidal ideologies.
“As we reflect on the harrowing lessons of our past, we are steadfast in our conviction that the fight against genocide ideologies, in any form, is a battle humanity must never relent in. We reaffirm our commitment to actively collaborate with all stakeholders in promoting regional and international peace and security,” emphasised Ambassador Marara.
The commemorative event was enriched by the mesmerising performance of Malaika Uwamahoro, a Rwandan-born actress, poet and singer, and her team.
Through their captivating presentation, the team took the audience on an emotional journey through Rwanda’s turbulent history.
Additionally, Gloriosa Uwimpuhwe, a courageous survivor of the 1994 Genocide Against Tutsi, shared her harrowing testimony, shedding light on the pivotal role of unity in Rwanda’s remarkable post-genocide reconstruction and development.
The event also featured an enlightening exhibition, offering participants a profound insight into the meticulous planning and execution of the genocide against the Tutsi, its far-reaching consequences and Rwanda’s inspiring journey of perseverance and resilience.
The also attendees gained a deeper understanding of the importance of remembrance and the urgent need to prevent such atrocities from recurring anywhere in the world.
As the solemn commemoration concluded, the collective resolve to uphold the values of peace, unity and reconciliation echoed resoundingly. Qatar’s unwavering solidarity with Rwanda reaffirmed the international community’s commitment to ensuring that the tragic lessons of history are never forgotten and that the pursuit of justice and humanity prevails.
The Genocide Against the Tutsi refers to the systematic and orchestrated mass slaughter of the Tutsi ethnic minority in Rwanda that occurred between April and July 1994.
This tragic event was fueled by deep-seated ethnic tensions and political manipulation, culminating in a devastating wave of violence that engulfed the country. Over the course of just 100 days, Hutu militias, armed forces and civilians embarked on a brutal campaign of extermination, targeting Tutsi individuals and moderate Hutus who opposed the genocide.
The genocide was characterised by widespread atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence and the destruction of property, as well as the dissemination of hateful propaganda to dehumanise and vilify the Tutsi population.
