Rwanda commemorates 31st anniversary of genocide with message of defiance and unity : Kagame to countries sanctioning Rwanda – “Go to hell”

SOS Médias Burundi

KIGALI, Rwanda — On Monday, Rwandans began commemorating the 31st anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, in which more than a million people were brutally murdered over a period of 100 days.

The national ceremony began at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laid a wreath and lit the Flame of Remembrance, a symbolic fire that will burn for the next 100 days. This memorial houses the remains of more than 250,000 genocide victims.

Senior government officials and foreign diplomats attended the solemn ceremony.

In a powerful and forthright speech, President Kagame assured Rwandans that genocide will never happen again in Rwanda—not because the threat has disappeared, but because the Rwandan people have chosen unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

“There is a chance, a real chance, that if you stand up and fight, you will live—and you will have lived a dignified life, the one you deserve,” Kagame declared.

“What did not kill or destroy us 31 years ago has strengthened us, prepared us for the trials that will always come. We will no longer die without a fight, as we did then.” »

The president also responded to growing pressure from the international community regarding Rwanda’s alleged involvement in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where M23 rebels—often considered predominantly Tutsi—have taken control of several territories. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and the United Nations accuse Kigali of supporting this group, a charge the Rwandan government consistently dismisses.

“To those who say they are sanctioning us—I say to them: go to hell,” Kagame said.

“What worries me is not the power of these people. What worries me is seeing Rwandans and Africans remain passive and see nothing wrong with being treated this way. That’s my only concern—we must not accept it. We must stand up and fight for ourselves.” »

The Rwandan government has long criticized the international community for its silence in the face of warning signs of the 1994 genocide. Although some Western leaders have since expressed regret, tensions surrounding foreign interference persist.

While praised for bringing economic growth and stability, Kagame also faces criticism for his repression of political opposition and freedom of expression. Paul Kagame has stated that he sometimes does things differently “for my own sanity and that of my country.”

“If you want to be useful, if you want us to be partners, we are ready to play our part. And you can be sure that you will find us a reliable partner—no matter what we think of you.”

Commemoration events will continue throughout the week. On Monday afternoon, Rwandans participated in the “March of Remembrance,” a moving tribute to the victims of the genocide. An all-night vigil followed, allowing citizens to pay their respects and honor the memory of those who perished.

The genocide began on April 6, 1994, when the plane carrying President Juvénal Habyarimana was shot down near Kigali. The crash also claimed the life of Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira. Both were returning from peace talks with Tutsi-led rebels.

This attack marked the beginning of one of the most tragic episodes in modern history, as Hutu extremists launched a campaign of widespread massacres, targeting Tutsi and moderate Hutus throughout the country.

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President Kagame and the First Lady light the flame of remembrance at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, DR