Today, the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the People’s Republic of China commemorated the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi under the theme Remember - Unite - Renew.

As every year, Rwandans in China were joined by officials from the government of China, diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations, and friends of Rwanda to commemorate over a million lives that were lost in 1994.

Although it’s been 30 years, the wounds are still fresh for survivors.

Mr. Narcisse Mulinga, a survivor who was just 11 years old during the genocide shared his story of childhood discrimination and the loss of loved ones. He later thanked the Inkotanyi that stopped the genocide and gave him and so many survivors hope to live again.

“Today I am nearly done with my PhD in regional rural development at Anhui Agricultural University. The process of rebuilding myself continues. I am a man who has rebuilt himself. I am blessed to have a beautiful family including a 10 year old child.”

The story of Mulinga is a representation of many other survivors who refused to be defined by the past and chose to rebuild themselves as Ambassador James Kimonyo highlighted it.

"Despite the tragedy that befell our country, we stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Our past has profoundly shaped and defined our future. We are a nation transformed, focused on development, opportunity, and a future where the words 'Never again' truly hold meaning," the Ambassador said.

The representative of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Wu Peng, conveyed a solidarity message to the people of Rwanda and survivors during this period of Kwibuka and made a commitment to continue supporting Rwanda’s transformation journey.

On behalf of the UN, Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, the Resident Coordinator in China called for international community to reflect on the Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda and warned of the rise of extremist groups and the inflammatory rhetoric that produced horrific consequences.

Ambassador Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman, the Permanent Representative of the African Union in China reminded the audience the worst moments Rwandans passed through and hailed Rwanda’s reconciliation journey after the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.

The commemoration event was also marked by the screening of a documentary, candle lighting, and a poem titled ‘Rwanda: A Beacon of Light,’ performed by Rwandan students in China who shared inspiring messages reflecting what Rwanda has gone through and where the country is now, 30 years later.

Within the next 100 days, the Embassy and the Rwandan Community in China will continue to conduct commemoration activities in different provinces and cities.

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