Rwanda remembers one million killed in genocide 20 years ago
A NATIONAL period of mourning will begin in Rwanda tomorrow to mark the 20th anniversary of the genocide in which nearly a million people were massacred in 100 days.
Before the start of the commemorations, 20-year-old students Agnes Ishimwe and Christian Tuyisenge Rangira carried the Kwibuka Flame of Remembrance in memory of the people who lost their lives.
The torch, which represents the darkest period in Rwanda’s history as well as unity and renewal, has made its way across the country.
The flame was lit on January 7 at Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre in Gisozi before it embarked on the nationwide tour. It is due to return to the memorial centre tomorrow.
Crowds gathered in silence in every village to watch the flame’s progress.
The torch, which represents the darkest period in Rwanda’s history as well as unity and renewal, has made its way across the country
It has been carried by young people from each district in the East African country.
Agnes and Christian were welcomed in Kirehe District by a children’s choir from Camp Kigali primary school, which sang Urumuri Rutazima or Never Ending Flame.
The week-long period of mourning marks the killing spree by Hutu extremists, who targeted Tutsis and moderate Hutus after President Juvenal Habyarimana was killed when his plane was shot down in 1994.
Many fled to refugee camps, like the tearful girl above who is pictured lost in Gisenyi camp in November 1996.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has launched a series of events to mark the genocide. He urged the international community to implement lessons learned from the tragedy.