Kigali, Rwanda – Rwanda commemorated the 30th anniversary of its horrific 1994 genocide today, with President Paul Kagame sharply criticizing the international community’s inaction during the massacres.
An estimated 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis but also moderate Hutus, were slaughtered over 100 days in a wave of ethnic violence ignited by the assassination of the then-Hutu president.
President Kagame, whose rebel movement stopped the genocide, led somber ceremonies in Kigali. He lit a flame of remembrance and laid a wreath at a memorial site holding the remains of 250,000 victims.
"Rwandans will never understand why any country would remain intentionally vague about who was targeted in the genocide. Such ambiguity is, in fact, a form of denial, which is a crime in and of itself, and Rwanda will always challenge it." President Kagame | #Kwibuka30 pic.twitter.com/5BTMZyZnqH
— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) April 7, 2024In a scathing speech, Kagame blamed the international community for failing to intervene. “It was the international community which failed all of us,” he said, “whether from contempt or cowardice.” He recounted his own heartbreaking experience of losing a cousin despite seeking help from U.N. peacekeepers.
Kagame’s remarks echoed recent apologies from some Western leaders. U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement saying, “We will never forget the horrors of those 100 days.” French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged France’s “overwhelming responsibility” for failing to stop the bloodshed.
President Kagame on the realities of who was prioritized by peacekeepers during the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. #Kwibuka30 pic.twitter.com/ryZunRwXq0
— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) April 7, 2024While Rwanda has shown remarkable economic growth in the aftermath, questions linger about genuine reconciliation. Kagame’s Tutsi-led government has outlawed ethnic divisions and built a national identity, but critics say it stifles dissent.
Kagame defended his government’s policies, highlighting Rwanda’s progress. “Our journey has been long and tough,” he said, “but the tremendous progress of our country is plain to see.”
President Kagame on the RPA’s refusal to be intimidated by threats made by French forces deployed in western Rwanda in 1994. #Kwibuka30 pic.twitter.com/ipgryS63Pl
— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) April 7, 2024However, concerns remain about the political climate. Human rights groups accuse Kagame’s regime of authoritarianism and silencing critics.
Despite the challenges, Rwanda is determined to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Naphtal Ahishakiye, head of a survivor’s group, stressed the importance of remembering. “Keeping the memory alive helps fight the mentality that allowed neighbors to turn on each other,” he said.
President Kagame, First Lady Jeannette Kagame and visiting Heads of State and their spouses laid wreaths and observed a moment of silence at the final resting place of over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. The Flame of Remembrance that was lit, will burn… pic.twitter.com/gJGYMpyG3d
— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) April 7, 2024