President Kagame has thanked Burundi and the Democratic republic of the Congo for giving refuge to Rwandans during the genocide times.
Kagame thanked the two neighboring countries among other countries during the national ceremony of the 30th commemoration of 1994 genocide against Tutsi.
In his remarks, president Kagame thanked different countries which helped Rwanda get back on feet after the tragedy that claimed over a million lives of innocent Tutsi.
“Today, we also feel a particular gratitude to all the friends and representatives here with us from around the world. we are deeply honored by your presence alongside us on this very heavy day. the contributions you have made to Rwanda’s rebirth are enormous and have helped us to stand where we are now.”, president Kagame said.
“Uganda which carried the burden of Rwanda’s internal problems for so many years, and was blamed for that. the leadership and people of Ethiopia and Eritrea, helped us in starting to rebuild at that time. In fact, prime minister Abiy Ahmed who is here, even served as a young peacekeeper in the immediate aftermath of the genocide.”
“There’s Kenya, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, hosted largers members and numbers of Rwandan refugees and gave them a home. Tanzania as well, and also played a unique role at many critical points including hosting and facilitating the Arusha peace process.”, Kagame added.
President Kagame thanked many countries which helped Rwandans and Rwanda to keep moving.
He thanked South Africa which paid for Cuban doctors and trained Rwandan doctors at only the cost of locals and benefited hundreds of young Rwandans.
The commemoration week that starts today marks the beginning of 100 days dedicated to Kwibuka, as the genocide lasted for 100 days and claimed more than 1 million lives.
