The National Commission against Genocide had announced that the 26th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi will proceed but with some changes in response to the Covid-19 pandemic measures in the country.
Usually during the commemoration week University of Rwanda and its colleges prepare topics on the tragedy; how it was conducted and on the resiliency of the country. Discussions are attended by students, staff, the surrounding community and invited guests.
However, due to the Covid-19 crisis everyone will commemorate at their home using different media platforms inclusive of TV, radio, and social media.
During this commemoration week, the great way to pay tribute to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi victims is to fuel ourselves with history of our country and to make sure that it never happens again. Here are suggested ways for students to educate yourself while commemorating at home.
Learn History of Rwanda from elders
It is a good time specifically for families to commemorate together at family level. This will a golden opportunity for the post genocide generation to learn the history of Rwanda and of the genocide from their elders.
The knowledge on what happened will help you as a students to prevent from falling in the pitfall of denying the Genocide or ending up in total ignorance of what happened.
Follow Kwibuka26 sessions on media platforms
CNLG have released daily program and topics for the 26th commemoration. Every Rwandan is urged to follow the conversations on National Broadcast’s Radio and TV.
Some of the topics concern the youth and their role in containing the history and combat genocide ideology.
It is a great space for youth to listen, ask questions and contribute to the session.
During commemoration week there are many other sessions to be covered by different media platforms on Genocide ideology, denial, testimony of the survivors. All these can help in boosting your knowledge and your understanding of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Join the fight against genocide ideology
The post genocide generation in particular, being the future of the nation, have a big role to play in fighting genocide deniers by all means, use of social media among other possible platforms.
Educate yourself about Genocide against the Tutsi
You should take time to inquire about the history of Rwanda and commit to know past important events that marked our country over the years.
In 1994, the youth were used in destroying this nation, nonetheless, our country has been able to make it and it’s been 26 years after this horrific incident. Grooming responsible and informed youth is the only way to boldly ensure ‘never again’.
There are several books written about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi manly by genocide survivors, researchers and journalists.
Here is a list of few recommended books
- “Our Lady of the Nile”-Scholastique Mukasonga
- “Intent to Deceive: Denying the Genocide of the Tutsi”-Linda Melvern
- “Shake Hands with the Devil” -Romeo Dallaire
- “Left to Tell” – Immaculée Ilibagiza
- “Conspiracy to Murder” -Linda Melvern
- “We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families” -Philip Gourevitch
