Andrew
Sunday Mail Reporter
Unity is central to the maintenance of peace and facilitating reconciliation, and it must be guarded jealously by all, a senior Government official has said.
Speaking during the 28th commemoration of the Rwandan genocide in Harare on Friday, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Dr David Musabayana, who was guest of honour, said it was humanity’s collective duty to remember victims of the mass slaughter that took place in 1994.
The commemorations, which are celebrated globally on April 7 every year, were running under the theme “Remember, Unite and Renew”. It is our collective duty as humanity to remember the 100 days of madness that began in April 1994, which led to the deaths of close to a million people,” he said.
“The people that were systematically exterminated were the Tutsi, and today, in solidarity, we join the government and people of the Republic of Rwanda in honouring those who were killed as well as to reflect on the suffering of the survivors of this dark chapter in the history of Rwanda in particular and humankind in general.” Dr Musabayana urged the people of Rwanda to unite in order to build their nation.
“The call to unite is a central theme that the people of Rwanda must embrace in their efforts to move their country forward.
“We join you in this regard as we accompany you in nation-building.
“In this regard, I am glad to note that our two countries have decided to walk hand-in-glove in our collective commitment to deepen and consolidate our bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.”
He commended the two countries for working together to promote development.
Rwandan Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr James Musoni said there was need for the international community to continue fighting against purveyors of genocidal ideologies.
“I wish to remind you that on January 26, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly designated April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which encourages all UN member states, organisations of the UN system and other relevant international organisations, as well as civil society organisations, to observe the day, including special observances and activities in memory of the victims,” said Ambassador Musoni.
“It is in this spirit that I appeal to the international community to play a meaningful role in the noble fight to defeat the genocide ideology.
“Several perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi still roam freely in many parts of the world and are working in cahoots with genocide deniers in their efforts to perpetuate the genocide ideology.”
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