RWANDAN PEACEKEEPERS IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC COMMEMORATE THE 1994 GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI

CAR, 7 April 2024

Rwandan Peacekeepers, part of MINUSCA in the Central African Republic, observed "KWIBUKA 30", commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Events were held in Bangui, Bria, and Bossembélé Base Camps, involving both peacekeepers and the Rwandan community in CAR.

In Bangui, at Socatel M'poko Camp, Contingent Commander Lt Col Joseph GATABAZI thanked friends who joined the Rwandan community for Kwibuka30 whereas, Col Alphonse GAHIMA who leads the bilateral forces stressed building community and protecting humanity.

In Bria, Haute-Kotto Province, community leaders, MINUSCA officials, NGOs, and peacekeepers gathered. Col Dr Theogène RURANGWA, Rwandan contingent commander, discussed genocide's historical roots and urged global action against genocide ideology.

The Governor of Haute-Kotto province, Evalist THIER, expressed gratitude to the government of Rwanda for its political efforts in reuniting  Rwandans through reconciliation.  And for achieving remarkable peace and stability in the country despite the challenges posed by the genocide.

In Bossembélé, officials and local leaders, including Madame Sous-Préfet de Bossembélé Mme Solange MUKOROMBOKA and the Mayor, attended the commemoration at Bossembélé Base Camp. Lt Col PC RUNYANGE, Commanding Officer of Rwabatt2, acknowledged attendees, emphasizing Rwanda's rebuilding efforts focused on unity and reconciliation after the Genocide.