US Embassy to Kigali Mourns the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis

US Ambassador to Rwanda, HE Donald Koran laying wreath on

On Thursday 12^th 2012, US Embassy to Rwanda commemorated an event meant to honor all members of the Embassy family lost in the genocide.

Ambassador Donald Koran said that “We are here to share, as a community, our sorrow, our memories, and our losses, and we are here to gain strength from our colleagues and friends. As I tried to prepare for today, I found it difficult to think of what I could say to you.  I can’t presume to even begin to understand the magnitude of the losses you suffered or of your feelings today, 18 years after this unimaginable tragedy”

“The Rwandan people have made tremendous efforts to overcome the legacy of the past.  Today, there is peace, much greater unity and Rwandans are building their own path to prosperity.” Added the Diplomat

Every year, the Embassy joins Rwandans in mourning the Genocide victims but in particular the Embassy honors its lost 25 workers.

Immaculée Mukantaganira a Widow to one of the lost Embassy workers gave testimony to the brutality of genocide that resulted into death of both his husband and 2 children.

Immaculée who currently works for Sisters of the Holy Cross in Indiana USA thanked the American Embassy for its continued support to the orphans left by its workers killed during the Genocide.

IBUKA Executive Secretary Janvier Forongo attended the event and said that “IBUKA extends its sympathy message and wishing you all to be strong in such difficult times of sorrow.”

“I thank the US Embassy both for this event and for the initiative to have a Genocide Orphans Fund. I also take this chance to request the U.S government to assist the Rwandan people in bringing all the Genocide perpetuators to justice.”

Director of Culture Promotion, Ministry of Culture and Sports, Lauren Makuza thanked the US Embassy on behalf of the Rwandan government for hosting such an event.

“1994 Genocide against Tutsis was acknowledged by OAU, Human Rights Watch, ICTR, Belgian officials, UN and several other institutions, Genocide perpetuators still loiter all over the world and are still financed. ”

“Genocide perpetuators have made Rwanda the most misreported country in the world as their minds are still thinking of genocide ideologies. These people need to be brought to justice.” Noted Makuza

Sheikh Abdul Karim Gahutu of the Muslim community and Pastor Umuremye Jolay Paul of Seventh Day Adventist Church prayed for the Embassy’s Genocide victims.

Blessed Sisters and Kizito Mihigo sang mourning songs.