Madagascar: ANDRY RAJOELINA IN KIGALI – “Peace is the pillar of a bright future”

Invited to the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Tutsi genocide, with his wife, President Rajoelina emphasizes the importance of social peace in development. Rwanda is a concrete example of this.

Peace. An important and necessary element for development that Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic, emphasizes in his words of solidarity with the Rwandan people on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Tutsi genocide.

The tenant of Iavoloha and his wife took part in the commemorative event held yesterday in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. They were invited by their Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame. On this occasion, the presidential couple were among the dignitaries who laid wreaths at the “Kigali Memorial.” Highlighting the magnitude of the genocide, the head of state took the opportunity to emphasize the crucial role of social peace in development.

“I stand in solidarity with the Rwandan people and President Paul Kagame at the Kigali Memorial on this 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi. Never again should such a human tragedy occur. May peace be the cornerstone of the future of our peoples,” President Rajoelina’s words, posted on his X social network account, formerly Twitter. He further elaborated on his Facebook page, stating that “peace and brotherhood are the pillars to build a bright and dignified future for our descendants.”

Rwanda is a concrete example that solidifies the presidential declarations. The country has successfully turned its recent tragic past into a driving force for national reconstruction in all areas and a relentless march towards development. After the genocide, its socio-economic performance is currently resonating globally. This feat is the result of reconciliation and justice work, leading to national dynamism. This is combined with a long period of peace and stability.

“Peace and stability as the foundation of development” is a rhetoric frequently emphasized by Andry Rajoelina. The commemoration of the Tutsi genocide, which highlighted the Rwandan example, was thus an opportunity for the President to remind of it. Madagascar has continuously been set back to square one in terms of development efforts due to the absence of lasting peace and stability.

Fraternal Relations

For Madagascar, political quarrels are the reasons for the cyclical crises that have marked its post-colonial history. These facts have evidently caused a collective trauma. Consequently, every national election or major political event in the country raises fears of a new crisis. Often, this collective fear is fueled by malicious words or actions. However, social justice is also the key to achieving lasting peace and stability.

As mentioned earlier, yesterday’s ceremony commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Tutsi genocide, which began on April 7, 1994, and lasted one hundred days. On this occasion, President Paul Kagame invited key international figures at the time, such as Bill Clinton, former President of the United States. France, one of Rwanda’s main partners during the 1980s and early 1990s, was represented by Stéphane Séjourné, its Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Hervé Berville, French Minister of State for the Sea, accompanied the French Foreign Minister. He was born in Rwanda. Among the guests was also Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic. This State had called for action to end the genocide in 1994. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, was also present in Kigali yesterday. African dignitaries were numerous on the list of distinguished guests at yesterday’s commemoration.

Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania and current Chair of the African Union, represented the continental organization. Similarly, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The Presidents of South Africa, Benin, Uganda, Nigeria, Togo, Tanzania, and Mozambique also participated in the ceremony. Likewise, Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

According to reports from members of the delegation led by the head of state in Kigali, the invitation of the presidential couple to yesterday’s commemorative ceremony “demonstrates the fraternal and strong relations between Madagascar and Rwanda.” A partnership that, based on various ministerial and inter-Decentralized Territorial Communities meetings on Saturday, could materialize into a twinning of Antananarivo and Kigali, as well as cooperation in the fields of agriculture and education.

Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson