The Chairman of RPF Inkotanyi, President Paul Kagame on Saturday April 7 lit the Flame of Remembrance to mark the beginning of activities to commemorate for the 24th time the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event that took place at Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi was also attended by First Lady Jeannette Kagame among other dignitaries, where he laid a wreath at the resting grounds of the over 250,000 victims of the Genocide.
Overall, over a million innocent lives were lost in the Genocide within just 100 days.
In his commemoration speech, the chairman said that although this is the 24thyear of commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi, to Rwandans, the memory is still fresh as it involves their nature, loved ones, communities, and nation.
“Every time we commemorate, we come face to face with our history and learn once again how to live with it. It is a time to reminisce about our tragic past, a history that was not meant to happen, and it is also a reminded that if we don’t stay vigilant, it might happen again. We are reminded of what we need to do to ensure that Genocide never happens again,” he said.
The Chairman pointed out that when the facts of history become known, people’s understanding of the truth deepens.
“History teaches us that even after historical facts are out for everyone to see, some will still push you to distort your own history. We have to keep rebuilding our lives, unite and rebuild the Rwandan society. We can’t stay hostages of our history.”
Meanwhile later on Saturday, the First Lady joined the youth and other officials in the Kwibuka24 Walk to Remember and Night Vigil that was held at Amahoro National Stadium where candles were lit in memory of the victims of the Genocide.
