The East African Community in collaboration with the Rwandan Community in Arusha as well as the Kilimanjaro, the Arusha Region Authorities and the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals on Friday commemorated the 29th Anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania on 7th April, 2023.
This year, Rwanda marks the 29th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Themed “Remember – Unite – Renew”, the commemoration which is done annually on this date is an occasion to pay tribute to the more than one million innocent lives lost through the heinous extermination of Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994.
Speaking during the commemoration, East African Community Secretary General Hon. (Dr) Peter Mathuki said that 29 years later, as we are commemorating this dark spot on human consciousness, Rwanda has made tremendous strides that have exceeded expectations and should be rightly commended for doing so.”
““NEVER AGAIN” should not only be a slogan but should also be translated into concrete actions as we strive to be.” Hon Mathuki added.
The commemoration event began with a walk to remember from the East African Community Secretariat Headquarters to Arusha City Centre (Clock Tower) followed by a wreath laying ceremony led by the Regional Commissioner of the URT in Arusha, the High Commissioner of Rwanda in URT, the EAC Secretary General, and other distinguished guests.
The commemoration brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders including local government, religious groups, Development Partners attached to EAC, Rwandans from the diaspora in Arusha, and Kilimanjaro, EAC staff, United Nations International Residual Mechanism Criminal Tribunals, University youth and school’s children.
As it has been a tradition since 29 years ago, the Governments and the people of East African Community stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Rwanda during this trying moment.
“I am happy that the EAC has taken this commendable decision’, ” said Dr. Irene Isaka, the Director Social Sectors, having this activity under her docket.
The Director further disclosed that to ensure full ownership of the event by EAC, prior to the above Council decision the EAC Executives had put in place an EAC Internal Organization Committee for Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda led by the Directors of Social and Productive Sectors.
