AUN Joins Rwanda in commemorating the horrific genocides that occurred in Rwanda against the Tutsis. The solemn event was held at the Robert Pastor e-Library on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, where people gathered to pay their respects and honor the memory of those who lost their lives during this tragic time in history.
During the ceremony, the community paid their respects to the victims of the tragic event with a moment of silence. It was followed by a dignified candlelight procession led by esteemed individuals, including His Excellency Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, AUN President Dr. DeWayne Frazier, AUN's Interim Provost Dr. James Adewale, and AUN-SGA's President Talford Ongolo.
In his remarks, His Excellency Bazivamo, the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, shed light on the remarkable progress that Rwanda has made over the years. He highlighted how the country has overcome the dark shadows of the past, referring to the genocide committed against the Tutsi. He emphasized that Rwanda has now emerged as a nation that fosters peaceful coexistence between Hutus and Tutsi. Today, Rwandan citizens no longer identify themselves through ethnic lines but rather through their collective sense of nationalism and a shared striving spirit for equity, equality, and gender inclusivity.
"Rwanda has come very far, and it's trying to move forward after the horrific tragedy: the genocide committed against the Tutsi in Rwanda; there was no other choice other than to strive to survive and move forward in harmony and together. It was not easy; we must keep moving forward," Ambassador Christophe stated.
He added that every year, the event is usually commemorated in Rwanda for a whole week, from April 7 to 14. He expressed appreciation for the support and solidarity shown by AUN, which is a testament to the strong relationship between our two communities.
In his remark, Dr. DeWayne Frazier said the gathering is not only "to remember the unthinkable horrors during the dark days of Rwandan genocide, but also to honor the resilience and strength of the Rwandan people who have shown the world the power of forgiveness, unity and reconciliation."
President Frazier, however, stated that the Rwandan genocide is a painful chapter in human history that must not be forgotten as it serves as a reminder of the consequences of hatred, division, and indifference. He also commended the courageous spirit and resilience of the Rwandans to forgive the perpetrators of the evil and genuinely reconcile to pursue national development where all Rwandans are equal.
Reported by John Abah