On 25th May, the Rwandan community, alongside friends of Rwanda in New South Wales, gathered at the Parliament of New South Wales to mark the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This commemoration ceremony, graced by the presence of High Commissioner Uwihanganye Jean de Dieu, was a significant moment of reflection, grief, and solidarity.
The ceremony began with a somber atmosphere as the names of dozens of genocide victims, each connected to the survivors present, were read aloud.
This touching tribute was followed by a moment of silence, allowing attendees to honor the memory of those lost in the horrific events of 1994.
A highlight of the event was the deeply moving testimony of Frida Umuhoza, a genocide survivor, and author of the acclaimed book “Chosen to Die, Destined to Live.” In her narrative, Ms. Umuhoza recounted the harrowing ordeal she endured and the brutal intent of the genocide’s architects to exterminate the Tutsi population.
Her survival, like that of many others, was a testament to the courage and resilience of the human spirit, and the decisive intervention of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) soldiers who ultimately stopped the genocide.
High Commissioner Uwihanganye took the podium to commend the bravery of Ms. Umuhoza and other survivors for sharing their stories.
He emphasized that these personal testimonies play a crucial role in combating genocide denial and trivialization, ensuring that the world does not forget the atrocities committed.
Reflecting on the international community’s failure to prevent the genocide, the High Commissioner expressed profound gratitude to the Australian supporters who attended the commemoration. Their solidarity and support were seen as vital in helping Rwandans pay tribute to the victims and in fostering global remembrance.
“As Australians join us for Kwibuka, it is an act that we are very grateful for,” High Commissioner Uwihanganye remarked, highlighting the importance of such international participation in the healing and remembrance process.
The event, marked by both sorrow and hope, served as a stark reminder of the past while also fostering a sense of unity and commitment to preventing future atrocities.
As part of the #Kwibuka30 initiatives, it underscored the ongoing journey of remembrance, education, and resilience within the Rwandan community and the global society at large.
The commemoration concluded with heartfelt expressions of solidarity, as attendees pledged to continue supporting efforts to remember and honor the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again.
By Ras Banamungu/ Hobe Australia