Africa

Kagame pays tribute to Kenya for hosting Rwandan refugees during genocide

President of Rwanda Paul Kagame delivers his speech during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the BK Arena in Kigali on April 7, 2024. (AFP)

By Mwangi Maina | Monday, April 8, 2024

Kenya was represented at the commemoration by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who stood in for President William Ruto.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has commended Kenya for its contribution to the reconstruction of Rwanda after the 1994 Genocide.

Kagame who spoke during Kwibuka 30, an event held to mark the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the Rwandan leader pointed out that Kenya hosted many fleeing Rwandese during that tragic period.

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"Kenya, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo hosted large numbers of Rwandan refugees, and gave them a home," said Kagame in a large event that was attended by Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Kenya was represented at the commemoration by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who stood in for President William Ruto.

"Today we also feel a particular gratitude to all the friends and representatives here with us from around the world. We are deeply honoured by your presence alongside us on this very heavy day. The contributions you have made to Rwanda's rebirth are enormous and have helped us to stand where we are now. I want to recognise the few while also asking for forgiveness for not being able to mention all who deserve it," Kagame said.

Young Rwandans hold flameless candles while taking part on a vigil during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the BK Arena in Kigali on April 7, 2024. (Photo: LUIS TATO/AFP)

In keeping with tradition, the ceremonies on April 7 – the day Hutu militias unleashed the carnage in 1994 – began with Kagame placing wreaths on mass graves and lighting a remembrance flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where more than 250,000 victims are believed to be buried.

Under the firm grip of Kagame's leadership, the East African Community nation has stabilised after enduring the horrors of genocide, which he quelled as the head of the rebel militia.

However, the scars of this violence persist, casting a dark shadow over Africa's Great Lakes region.

The global community's failure to intervene remains a source of enduring shame, as expressed by African Union chief Moussa Faki Mahamat during his visit to Kigali.

He emphasised, "No one, not even the African Union, can exonerate themselves from their inaction. Let us have the courage to recognise it, and take responsibility for it."