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RWANDA: 20 YEARS ON


RWANDA: LOOKING FORWARD


Twenty years on since the genocide in 1994, Rwanda has come a long way in rebuilding its country and addressing the challenges of national reconstruction, social healing, rehabilitation and reconciliation. Redefining itself as an inclusive governance, it maintains a staunch approach to reversing the negative politics of exclusion, discrimination and a genocidal ideology that characterized the former Rwandan government and its leadership. With the highest number of female MPs in Parliament in the world, and a promising developing economy, Rwandans can now at last be proud of their leadership, writes the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security in Rwanda Parliament/ Chamber of Deputies.


Hon. Zeno Mutimura, MP Mr Mutimura is the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security in Rwanda Parliament/ Chamber of Deputies. He has been a Member of Parliament since 2008. He was former Ambassador of Rwanda to the United Republic of Tanzania and former First Counsellor in Rwanda Embassies in Ethiopia and China. He served also as Diplomatic Advisor to the Secretary General of Rwandese Patriotic Front.


Hon. Zeno Mutimura, MP


Twenty years ago, Rwanda had no future, only a past. Each year on 7 April, Rwandans commemorate the 1994 Genocide that took place against the Tutsis. The entire country is overcome by a somberness as they remember the human carnage, the slaughter of over one million people in 100 days, innocent lives of men and women, children born and yet to be born, to the most efficient but preventable tragedy.


This year’s anniversary was deemed especially significant


154 | The Parliamentarian | 2014: Issue Three


as Rwandans remembered and reflected upon the 20-year journey since the genocide. Acknowledgment and appreciation was made of the tremendous achievements registered in social, economic and political transformation, the nurturing and institutionalization of a culture of tolerance and coexistence, accountability, inclusive governance and a culture of democracy and integration in regional and global affairs.


Challenges remain, especially the perpetrators of the genocide still living freely. The moment was also an opportunity for Rwandans to recommit themselves that together, they remain resolute and steadfast and ready to confront whatever stands as an obstacle to the achievement of their national vision.


Historical background After decades of state sponsored discrimination, violence and a state orchestrated hate campaign against Rwanda’s Tutsi population, on 7 April


1994, Rwanda witnessed one of the most horrific genocides in the history of humankind. The genocide against the Tutsis was well planned, executed and supervised by the former Rwandan government which incited people – namely the Hutus – to kill their fellow citizens.


The tragic event played out before the eyes of the international community, with the UN deciding to downsize its peacekeeping mission and pull out of the country. It took the sacrifice of a handful rebel force led by their Commander, the then Major General Paul Kagame, to bring the genocide to an end and liberate the country from the genocidal government with its militia. The country was in a state of ruin after the genocide. There was no functioning institution, the justice system was virtually non-existent, and there were hundreds of victims of genocide that needed urgent health care and shelter. Thousands of orphans and displaced children were spread out across the countryside;


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