Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests, heads of state and government, first ladies, former leaders, and distinguished delegates,
Today, as we gather to mark the solemn occasion of the 30th Commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi, our hearts are heavy with both sorrow and gratitude. We pay homage to the memories of those we lost, and we reflect with profound appreciation on the resilience and strength that have guided Rwanda’s journey since those dark days.
To the survivors among us, we owe an immeasurable debt. We tasked you with the unimaginable burden of fostering reconciliation, and you have borne it with unwavering resolve, shaping our nation’s path forward each day. For this, we are profoundly grateful.
As time passes, the descendants of survivors grapple with a profound sense of loss and longing for loved ones they never knew. Today, we stand in solidarity with them, our tears mingling with theirs as we continue our journey as one united family.
Many Rwandans bravely resisted the call to genocide, some paying the ultimate price for their courage. We honor their memory and draw strength from their example.
Our path has been arduous, marked by unspeakable tragedy and profound loss. Yet, through the darkness, Rwanda has emerged, its progress a testament to the resilience of its people and the choices we made together to rebuild our nation.
At the heart of our transformation lies unity—a choice we made to believe in the possibility of a reconciled Rwanda and to live by that belief. We have also embraced a culture of accountability, holding ourselves answerable to each other above all else. And crucially, we have refused to be defined by our past, choosing instead to envision a future filled with hope and possibility.
Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the friends and allies who have stood by us on this journey. Your contributions have been invaluable, helping us to rebuild and thrive in the face of adversity. From Uganda to Ethiopia, Eritrea to Kenya, and beyond, we acknowledge with deep appreciation the support and solidarity we have received.
We are especially grateful to those who sent their sons and daughters to serve as peacekeepers in Rwanda—a selfless act of solidarity that will always be remembered and cherished. We pay tribute to the memory of heroes like Captain Mbaye Diagne of Senegal, whose bravery saved countless lives during our darkest hours.
Yet, even as we honor those who stood with us, we cannot ignore the failures of the international community, both during the genocide and in its aftermath. We remember with gratitude those who spoke out against injustice, even in the face of immense pressure to remain silent.
Rwanda’s tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of division and extremism. It is a warning that the seeds of genocide can take root anywhere if left unchecked. As survivors, we refuse to be silenced, committed to preserving the truth and confronting the forces of hatred and intolerance wherever they may arise.
Our journey has taught us three fundamental lessons. First, we must value our own lives and dignity above all else, refusing to wait for rescue or permission to act in defense of our people. Second, we must reject the politics of ethnic populism, recognizing it as the precursor to genocide. And finally, we must empower the next generation to break the cycle of violence and build a brighter future.
Today, Rwanda stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. We have faced unimaginable horrors and emerged stronger and more determined than ever before. Our youth, with their boundless optimism and unwavering commitment to unity, are the guardians of our future.
As we reflect on the past and look to the future, let us remember the words of those who came before us—their stories, their sacrifices, and their unwavering courage. Let us honor their memory by building a world where genocide has no place, where every life is valued and cherished.
Thank you.
Source: Newsday
