At the Rwandan Embassy in China, Rwandans alongside Rwandan friends remembered the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsis in 1994. The commemoration theme was ‘Remember, Rebuild’.
Every year, Rwandans in China, together with officials from the Government of this country, Diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and Rwandan friends, commemorate the millions of Tutsis killed in 1994.
After 30 years, the scars of the survivors remain visible. Narcisse Mulinga, a genocide survivor, was 11 years old when he witnessed the genocide unfold and lost family members.
He praised the resilience of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) in stopping the genocide and giving hope to survivors to rebuild their lives.
He said: “Today, I have achieved significant progress in advancing my career at Anhui Agricultural University. The journey of rebuilding continues. I am a survivor, grateful for the opportunity to have a happy family, including a 10-year-old child.”
Mulinga’s testimony sheds light on the experiences of other survivors who strive not only to heal from the wounds of the past but also to contribute to Rwanda’s development, as emphasized by Ambassador James Kimonyo, Rwanda’s representative in China.
“Our country has undergone transformation, focusing on progress, opportunities, and future prospects, where we say ‘Never Again’.” , he added.
Ambassador Wu Peng, who represented the China Municipality Government, emphasized the importance of solidarity with genocide survivors and pledged continued support for Rwanda’s journey of progress.
Siddharth Chatterjee, the UN Resident Coordinator in the country, urged the international community to remember the genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda and to provide continued support to survivors.
Ambassador Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman, representing the African Union (AU) in China, reminded attendees of the commemoration events of the tragic history of Rwanda and the country’s journey of reconciliation after the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.
The commemoration activities in China included screening documentaries, lighting candles of hope, and reciting poems by Rwandan students residing in Beijing.
They showcased Rwanda’s journey over the past 30 years.
In the coming days, the Embassy and Rwandan community in China will continue commemorative activities in different provinces and cities.