Rwanda Observes Week of Mourning to Commemorate 30th Anniversary of 1994 Genocide

Rwanda is solemnly observing the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide, a tragic chapter in its history marked by unimaginable brutality and loss.

President Paul Kagame led the nation in commemoration on Sunday, April 7, 2024, paying respects at mass graves in Kigali alongside foreign dignitaries, including former US President Bill Clinton and leaders from South Africa and Ethiopia.

The genocide, which began on April 7, 1994, lasted for 100 days, resulting in the deaths of approximately 800,000 people, predominantly Tutsis but also moderate Hutus.

The assassination of Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana triggered the violence, leading to widespread killings by armed Hutu militias and the notorious “Interahamwe.”

Victims were brutally murdered through shootings, beatings, and machete attacks fueled by hate propaganda broadcasted on radio and TV. The genocide also witnessed widespread sexual violence, with at least 250,000 women subjected to rape, as per UN estimates.

Despite the deep wounds inflicted by the genocide, Rwanda has made significant strides under President Kagame’s leadership. However, the scars of the violence endure, serving as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed.

Thirty years on, the pain of the genocide still reverberates among Rwandans. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there is a collective determination to remember the past and ensure that such horrors never occur again.

The international community’s failure to intervene remains a source of shame, with acknowledgment from leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed regret for the lack of action to prevent the bloodshed.

As Rwanda reflects on this solemn anniversary, the nation remains committed to preserving the memory of the victims and striving for a future of peace and reconciliation.