APRIL 2018: REMEMBER, UNITE, RENEW
REMEMBER, UNITE, RENEW.
24 years ago started a genocide against the Tustsi that lasted 100 days and went on to claim over 1 million victims.
In the course of that period, thousands were betrayed by their friends, massacred by their neighbors and hunted by their "leaders", it was the norm back then and it was even rewarded sometimes. Countless families including mine had to flee the country for safety and yet some foreign entities still have the audacity to claim ignorance or that none of it ever happened; must still be ashamed that they didn't lift a finger to help until it was over.
Now 25 years old, I believe I am one of the luckiest who were too young to recall the atrocities that reigned that spring, who grew up in a country where your ID shows your nationality instead of your ethnicity. We have come really far but to ensure such chaos never befalls us or our future generations again, we must stay united, always remember and learn from our history. And it's in that spirit, that every year starting April 7th, leisures take a back seat for the first week of the 100 days as we commemorate the victims and plan for a better future as a united people.
THE COMMEMORATION.
To kick off the commemoration, the president Paul Kagame, with the first lady Jeanette Kagame by his side, lights the flame of hope at the memorial of Gisozi which will burn during the 100 days of remembrance. He then proceeds to pay homage to the 250 000 fallen resting there and finishes by addressing the people, reminding them that the main goals of the 100 days are to promote reconciliation and unity if they wish for a brighter future.
Source
Later on in the afternoon, there is the The walk to remember, a peaceful walk from Gisozi to the Amahoro national stadium to remind us of the fearful walks taken by our brothers and sisters as they were trying to stay ahead of their pursuers. Once at the stadium there is a national wake in which testimonies and art are shared and 100 names of Genocide victims are read for the public.
For the rest of the week, meetings are held in each Mudugudu(district) in which speakers preach unity, testimonies are heard and survivors get comfort and support from their community.
For the 3 next months, Rwandans, foreigners and NGO's will visit and support survivors whichever they can. Whether through providing shelter, paying school fees for orphans or just showing compassion by showing up, it is a time to honor those we lost by making sure we cherish and encourage those who survived.
Every year the memories of those atrocities come back to haunt us, but each year we push through and come out as an even stronger and more united people.
NEVER FORGET! NEVER AGAIN!
Citations and sources:
copyright Copyright CC0 Licensed (2018) - Ktpress.rw - http://ktpress.rw/2018/04/rwanda-starts-week-long-mourning-period/
Image 1 source: google.com
Image 2 source: google.com
Image 3 source: google.com
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