The 30^th Commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi was held in Dar es salaam on 7^th April, 2024. The event was organised by the Rwanda High Commission in Tanzania in partnership with the United Nations Tanzania and Rwandan Community in Dar es salaam. It attracted a good turnout including government representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Rwandan community in Tanzania, religious leaders, students, media and various friends of Rwanda.

The commemoration started in the morning by “A Walk to Remember” in memory of the victims of the genocide against the Tutsi. It covered a distance of approximately 2km from Mwenge Puma Petrol Station to Mlimani City Conference Centre. Messages on placards condemning the genocide and others about humanity lessons were visually noticeable.

Later the Guest of Honour, the Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Dr Pindi Chana on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr January Makamba said Tanzania stands with Rwanda to reflect the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. She said Tanzania saw what others only heard of from afar. “We saw the bodies of our Rwandan brothers and sisters, brutally killed, floating down the Kagera River, the evidence being the mass grave in Ngara District..”

Ambassador Dr Chana stated that the capacity for evil resides in all societies as also the qualities of understanding, kindness, justice and reconciliation. “This is one of the profound lessons of the Rwandan experience. The country’s recovery is a rightful source of pride and comfort for the people and Government of Rwanda”, she stated.

Amb. Dr Pindi Chana

Dr Pindi Chana commended Rwanda for its impressive recovery featured by unwavering contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, environment conservation and building a favourable economic atmosphere for inclusive prosperity.

For her part, the Head of Resident Coordinator’s Office United Nations (UN) Tanzania, Ms Shabnam Mallick said apart from remembering the stories of pain, loss and unimaginable suffering the commemoration also brought all world nations to honour the spirit of survivors who cherish resilience.

Ms Shabnam Mallick

“Their struggle to heal, to rebuild, and to find hope in the ashes of despair is a testament to the enduring power of the human soul,” Ms Mallick said.

She called upon media outlets and religious leaders across the world among other development stakeholders to keep on shedding light on the root causes of the genocide while promoting tolerance and co-existence.

“We must stand as one, a global force against hatred and discrimination in all its forms. We must ensure that the next generation becomes the guardians of a kinder future,” Ms Mallick said.

On top of that, she appreciated Tanzania’s unity and solidarity planted by the Founder of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere saying it is necessary for other countries to emulate.

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Fatou Harerimana said the genocide against the Tutsi was planned for a long time and was motivated by a terrible policy of discrimination and division rather than occurring by accident or natural disaster.

The High Commissioner Harerimana reminded the audience that Rwanda now is one of the safest places in the world, and it extends its security to other countries as well. For example, the Rwandan Army has been effective in restoring peace in Mozambique, South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Haiti.

Amb.Fatou Harerimana

In conclusion, the High Commissioner Harerimana, thanked everyone in attendance for their active participation in the 30^th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “...we shall continue to keep close to our hearts the over One Million Tutsi who perished in that darkest period of our country's history”, she remarked.