Rwandans in Korea commemorate 28th anniversary of genocide against Tutsi

Ambassador of Rwanda to Korea Yasmin Amri Sued, fifth from right, takes part in a ceremony commemorating the 28th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda at Yongsan Art Hall in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of Rwanda in Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

The Embassy of Rwanda in Korea held a ceremony in Seoul, Thursday, commemorating the 28th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, to support the survivors of the genocide and to ensure that such an atrocity can never happen again in Rwanda or elsewhere in the world.

The ceremony began with a candle lighting, symbolizing remembrance and resilience of Rwandans, led by Rwandan Ambassador to Korea Yasmin Amri Sued and Gabonese Ambassador to Korea Carlos Victor Boungou, who is also the dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Korea. Foreign missions in Korea who took part in the hybrid ceremony virtually also joined by turning on electric candles.

After screening a video testimony of the survivors of the genocide, Uwase Belinda, a Rwandan living in Korea recited a poem she wrote on the tragedy titled "Our Remarkable Rwanda."

"Peacefully and harmoniously is how we lived. Every day we share together felt like a gift. ... Until one day, we forgot we were one. Division grew upon us. ... There are deaths, leaving so many holes and empty voids to be filled. But that was not the end for the people of Rwanda. In fact, it was just the beginning. When all help was lost, we decided to come together," Uwase recited.

Rwandan Ambassador Amri Sued gave an explanation of what happened and how the country then pursued the path of reconciliation.

"Twenty-eight years ago, Rwanda had a population of 7 million people. On April 7, the genocide against the Tutsi started. One hundred days later, more than a million children, women, men (and) elders were killed for being Tutsi," she said.

"The genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi taught us about resilience and helped us to seek in ourselves the strength to overcome even when it may seem impossible. Forgiveness and justice became the backbone of our reconciliation.

"The Rwandan spirit, our cultural identity, cement our resolve to continue to build a renewed country. The youth of Rwanda will be the one to carry on the current achievements and deliver the Rwanda we all want."

Gabonese Ambassador Boungou noted the United Nations and the African Union's recognition of the genocide.

"As citizens of Rwanda are commemorating this anniversary around the world, the entire planet is standing in solidarity with the Republic of Rwanda. On this solemn occasion, we stand together as one, as we remember, as we unite and as we renew," Ambassador Boungou said.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon shared his ties with Rwanda as he had stayed in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, for six months in 2014 as a municipal advisor.

"Rwanda is a country that suffered a divide caused by genocide but overcame the difficult times with reconciliation and coexistence. I hope Koreans could learn from Rwanda's journey to reconciliation," Oh said.

Yeo Seung-bae, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs in Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also sent a video message in commemoration of the 1994 genocide, emphasizing international solidarity for peace, learning from Rwandan people's efforts for reconciliation and unity.

"Even at this moment of remembering the Rwandan genocide 28 years ago, innocent lives are being victimized by violence and use of force in some parts of the world, such as Ukraine and Yemen. The genocide in Rwanda teaches us the violence was never be justified in any circumstance. International community should strengthen its solidarity against cruelty and double down on it to resolve for peace," Yeo said.