On 30th April 2022, the Rwandan Community in China participated in Kwibuka28 as part of ongoing activities in 100 days of remembrance of the victims of genocide against the Tutsi.  More than 400 Rwandans attended the online event hosted by the Embassy. 

The event included a survivor’s testimony, candle lighting and discussion on “Understanding the past failures to build a better future” by Hon. Edouard Bamporiki, Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Culture. 

In addressing the participants, Hon. Edouard Bamporiki, who was the Guest of Honor, gave an overview of Rwanda’s history during colonial and post-independence period that was dominated by discriminatory ideology where leaders deliberated ignored Rwandan values and eventually culminated into the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. 

Today, you have a big role to play in making a difference by contributing positively to nation-building and the future of the country lies in your hands,” said the Minister.  

He urged the youth to be guided by Rwandan values and continue to fight genocide ideology and denial, refrain from divisionism and most importantly, continue to engage in activities that promote peace, unity, reconciliation, development and protect what has been achieved.  

In his remarks, Ambassador James Kimonyo thanked the Rwandan Community in China for their active participation in various activities and urged them to uphold the values of patriotism and selflessness. 

During the event, a genocide survivor, Mr. Nkurayija Jean Claude shared his horrific experience during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi when he lost family members and how he has managed to recover from his past and contribute to national development. 

“I was able to recover from what happened to me during the genocide, facilitated to study and today I have a family of three and work as a Branch Manager at Bank of Kigali”, said Nkurayije. He concluded by thanking the Rwanda Patriotic Army, for saving him, stopped the genocide and supporting the survivors to begin a new life.   

The President of the Rwandan Community, Mulinga Narcisse, said that 28 years after the genocide against the Tutsi, Rwandans are united, have proven to be a symbol of strength, resilience and courage under our visionary leadership. “As we remember, let us also stand together against genocide ideology and ensure that the genocide never happens again,” said Mulinga. 

Please click HERE to watch Hon. Minister Edouard Bamporiki address on YouTube.

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