High Commissioner of Rwanda to Ghana Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira during the commemoration event
This Saturday, Rwanda High Commission in Ghana together with Rwandans living in its jurisdiction, were joined by Leaders, friends and partners at a hybrid commemoration event to honor the memory of over one million loved ones killed during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda.Delivering a message of the Government of Ghana at the occasion, Ghanaian Minister of Foreign affairs Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey reminded that the statement ‘Genocide Never Again’ places a responsibility on all humanity to be vigilant in the fight against genocide. Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey paid tribute to the resilience of Rwanda and the progress it has made, noting that there are many lessons to borrow from it and reiterated with assurance of Ghana’s continued strong cooperation with Rwanda.
The Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Biruta, in his address called on world leaders to strengthen the fight against genocide denial, revisionism, and trivialization; reminding them that tolerating this last phase in the cycle of the crime of genocide renders credence to genocidaires. Minister Vincent Biruta reminded leaders present to partner in bringing to justice perpetrators of the genocide against the Tutsi, and prosecute hundreds of them who are still evading justice.
Thanking friends and partners for their solidarity, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Ghana Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, reiterated Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s message at the start of the 28th commemoration that lessons learnt from Rwanda must not be wasted, calling for everyone to learn more about the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and stand up for the truth. Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira also thanked the Government of Ghana and officers of the Ghanaian contingent led by Rtd. Maj. Gen. Henry Kwami Anyidoho, who stayed in Rwanda during the Genocide against Tutsi and put their lives at risk to protect innocent Rwandans.
D’Artagnan Habintwari, who survived the Genocide against Tutsi from former Butare, shared a moving testimony and researcher Tom Ndahiro delivered a presentation on genocide denial, the complicity of global media, and Rwanda’s firm choice to prioritize unity and dignity of all.
During the event, Rwandans were joined by senior leaders of Ghana, Heads of Ghana’s Security institutions, and members of the diplomatic community. Many sat in the tents staring deep at the flame, remembering the brutal and inhumane ways in which their own were killed during the Genocide. (End).