The Rwandan community in Niger, in partnership with the Embassy of Rwanda in Niger, held the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with officials calling for resilience, unity and remembrance.
The event took place at Radisson Hotel Niamey in Niamey and brought together about 140 participants, including members of the Rwandan diaspora, diplomats, representatives of the Government of Niger, UN agencies, international organizations, civil society groups and friends of Rwanda.
The Government of Niger was represented by Souleymane Issakou, Secretary General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Issakou commended the Rwandan community for organizing the commemoration and expressed solidarity with Rwandans during the remembrance period.
He also praised the strong diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Niger, while highlighting the role of the Gacaca Courts in advancing justice, reconciliation and national unity after the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He further applauded the resilience demonstrated by Rwandans in rebuilding the country, saying it offers lessons for other African nations.
Representing the United Nations, Al Hassan Cissé, who heads the Food and Agriculture Organization in Niger, delivered the UN message during the commemoration.
During the event, Uwera Denise shared testimony on the warning signs that preceded the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, stressing that timely international action could have prevented the atrocities.
