Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-04-16 09:54:53
The government of Rwanda is still actively pursuing and seeking justice for the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, as stated by Joseph Rutabana, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Uganda. This effort comes ahead of the 30th commemoration of the genocide, which took place during the civil war between April 7 and July 15, 1994, claiming over one million lives. The victims of the genocide, primarily Tutsi, moderate Hutu, and Twa individuals, were brutally killed in their villages and towns, often by their own neighbors and fellow villagers.
In Uganda alone, at least 10,983 victims of the genocide were buried in three memorial sites: Ggolo in Mpigi district, where 4,771 bodies were laid to rest; Lambu in Masaka district, with 3,337 burials; and Kasensero in Rakai district, where 2,875 people found their final resting place. Following the civil war, the Rwandan government established Gacaca courts, which have prosecuted over one million perpetrators of the genocide. Despite criticisms of the fairness of the trial process, Rutabana emphasized that the proceedings have been transparent, resulting in the acquittal of several suspects.
Rutabana urged governments worldwide to track, extradite, or try the orchestrators of the Rwandan genocide in competent courts of law to ensure justice is served. Many individuals have been extradited back to Rwanda to face trial, while others have been tried in international courts such as the Hague, UK, and Australia. Some countries have resisted extradition due to concerns about the safety of the suspects in Rwanda.
The 30th commemoration of the genocide, themed Remember-Unite-Renew, will take place on April 20, 2024, at the Ggolo Genocide Memorial site in Mpigi District. A walk to remember and vigil in honor of the victims is planned for May 4, 2024, in collaboration with Rwandan students in Uganda. This milestone anniversary signifies a generational cycle since the end of the genocide, prompting reflection on Rwanda’s transformation over the past thirty years.
Rutabana emphasized the importance of engaging all segments of Rwandan society in the commemoration, as it serves as an opportunity to confront the past and prevent intergenerational transmission of traumas through dialogue and remembrance. Preserving the memory of the genocide is crucial in shaping a cohesive and forward-looking nation. The global community stands united in condemning such heinous human rights violations, vowing never to let them happen again.
Overall, the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Rwandan genocide is a poignant moment to reflect on the resilience, unity, and progress of Rwanda over the past three decades. It serves as a call to action for future generations to uphold these values and navigate the challenges of today’s world while aspiring to a better future.
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