Source: Renew commitment to preventing mass atrocities: Envoy – herald
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
RWANDAN Ambassador to Zimbabwe James Musoni yesterday led 32nd anniversary commemorations of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, calling upon the international community to renew its commitment to preventing genocide and mass atrocities.
Ambassador Musoni said despite clear warning signs and urgent calls for intervention, the world stood by, with the cost of that inaction being catastrophic.
At the 32nd Kwibuka (Remembrance), Ambassador Musoni said the transformation that Rwanda went through following the genocide against the Tutsi stands as a testament to what is possible when a nation commits to healing and reconciliation.
“Equally painful is the reality that the international community failed to act,” he said.
“The cost of that inaction was catastrophic. This failure must remain a lesson to humanity: silence and indifference in the face of injustice can have devastating consequences.
“The journey that followed was not easy, but it was deliberate. Rwanda made bold choices to rebuild trust, promote justice and restore dignity to its people.”
The mass killings of the Tutsi started on April 7 and for a period of 100 days, saw the murder of one million innocent people who were systematically hunted down by soldiers and militias of the then government.
Ambassador Musoni said the integration of former adversaries into a unified national army was a step that symbolised the country’s determination and commitment to move beyond division towards a shared future.
He said it was unacceptable for individuals responsible for such grave crimes to continue to live freely, spreading division and distortion, especially using digital platforms to spread genocide ideology.
“Accountability is not optional, it is essential for justice, for healing, and for the prevention of future atrocities.
“Let us act together to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated anywhere, at any time,” he said.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, who was represented by the ministry’s Chief Director for Political Affairs Mr Pearson Chigiji, expressed Zimbabwe’s solidarity to Rwanda and the resilience of its people following the genocide against the Tutsi.
He praised the Rwandans for showing courage in their journey of reconciliation.
“It is essential that we reflect on the resilience and strength of Rwandan people in the aftermath. Our presence here today is a direct manifestation of Section 12(2) of the Constitution which obligates Government to promote regional and pan-African cultural, economic and political cooperation and integration.
“We do not only mourn those who were killed but also the profound suffering endured by survivors. Rwandan people have shown remarkable courage in their journey of reconciliation.
“Our attendance is an expression to the people of Rwanda and the country’s extraordinary journey to transformation,” Mr Chigiji said.
The United Nations and the African union declared April 7 as a day to honour the more than one million victims of the genocide against the Tutsi, to support survivors and reinforcing the “Never Again” global commitment.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to Zimbabwe Mr Edward Kallon said the prevention of genocide everywhere should be a priority guided by UN instruments, conventions and laws.
“With history as our guide, and the prevention of genocide as our goal, let us leave this gathering not only moved but mobilised,” he said.
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