Yesterday, the Rwandan Community, the Swedish Government, diplomats accredited to Sweden, University of Rwanda professors, and friends of Rwanda gathered at the Swedish Parliament to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The event started with a ‘Walk to Remember’ in Stockholm ahead of the Commemoration event held in the Swedish Parliament.
During the commemoration ceremony, Francoise Moti, a Genocide Survivor and member of the Rwandan community in Sweden, courageously recounted her experiences during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
She passionately urged the international community to uphold the commitment of “Never Again.”
Josine Kanamugire, President of Ibuka Sweden, in her remarks pointed out that for survivors, 30 years reside within memories, emotions, and their existence.
“Our trauma persists like a recurring nightmare, even though we are at different stages or levels in our journey. For some survivors, these last 30 years feel like a mere 3-second nightmare they are hoping to wake from,” Josine Kanamugire said.
She added that Ibuka Sweden acknowledges each survivor and wishes for them to fully embrace this second chance at life.
Ambassador of Rwanda to Sweden, Diane Gashumba, pointed out that many governments haven’t all taken legislative measures to criminalize genocide denial.
“It’s widely acknowledged that genocide denial is the final phase of any genocide, as substantiated by numerous scholars in genocide studies. Yet, we remain inactive. Is it because your own country isn’t directly affected? If we genuinely stand by our principles, why do we witness so many instances of double standards?” Ambassador Diane Gashumba said.
From April 7, 2024, Rwanda started the national commemoration week and the 100 days for the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event started with a ‘Walk to Remember’ in Stockholm.
