International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda 2024: An annual observance of April 7 is International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda, which pays tribute to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. An estimated 500,000 to 800,000 Tutsis perished in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, according to what you may not be aware of. International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda is a day of global remembrance observed by all member states of the United Nations.
Commemorative events are organized in various cities across the globe, such as Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Geneva, Switzerland; and New York City, United States, to honor the occasion. All member states of the United Nations are customarily requested to observe a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims.
International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda History
Although its origins can be traced back to the nineteenth century, the Rwandan genocide occurred from April 7 to July 15, 1994. In 1959, the Rwandan revolution overthrew the Tutsi monarchy. Consequently, tens of thousands of Tutsis sought refuge in neighboring nations, such as Uganda and Tanzania. Subsequently, a subset of the Tutsi refugees established the Rwandan Patriotic Front (R.P.F. ), an organization under the leadership of Rwanda’s current president, Paul Kagame, and Fred Rwigyema.
This insurgent group invaded Rwanda in October 1990, but with the assistance of France and Zaire, the Rwandan army repelled them. The R.P.F., under the leadership of Kagame, initiated a hit-and-run guerrilla conflict with the Rwandan army in January 1991. President Juvénal Habyarimana of Rwanda and the R.P.F. reached a peace agreement (termed the Arusha Accords) in August 1993.
The aircraft carrying Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira was shot down on April 6, 1994, resulting in the tragic loss of all on board lives. As a result, the 100-day genocide commenced. The assassination was attributed to both Hutu extremists and the R.P.F., with the R.P.F. asserting that it was carried out to provide justification for the genocide. The nation was occupied by a crisis committee under the leadership of Colonel Theoneste Bagosora, who oversaw the genocide, after the assassination.
The militias executed moderate Hutu and Tutsi political and military leaders, as well as their families, after being provided with lists of such individuals. The individuals in attendance comprised Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana and her spouse, Joseph Kavaruganda, President of the Constitutional Court, Frederic Nzamurambaho, Minister of Agriculture, Landwald Ndasingwa, leader of the Parti Liberals, and his Canadian spouse, as well as chief Arusha negotiator Boniface Ngulinzira.
Using the national identification card of Rwanda, government forces could identify and execute ethnic Tutsis. Members of the Hutu ethnic group were additionally incentivized to murder, maim, and violate their Tutsi neighbors, in addition to destroying or pilfering their property. After Juvénal Habyarimana’s demise, the RPF recommenced its offensive against Rwanda. By mid-July, the RPF had successfully seized Kigali and established authority over northern Rwanda.
This resulted in the end of the genocide and the forced refuge of close to two million Hutus in Zaire, Tanzania, and Burundi. The United Nations proclaimed April 7, 2004 International Day of Reflection on the Rwandan Genocide.
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FAQs regarding the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda
What caused the Rwandan genocide to cease?
When the R.P.F. captured Kigali, overthrew the Hutu-led government, and seized authority, the Rwandan genocide came to an end.
What precipitated the Rwandan genocide?
It commenced with the assassination of Juvénal Habyarimana, the president of Rwanda. The event was subsequently utilized by Hutu extremists to justify the initiation of a widespread genocide against the Tutsi people.
How long did the genocide in Rwanda last?
The Rwandan genocide of 1994 devastated the country for one hundred days. It was in session from April 7 to July 15.
International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda 2024 Activities
Attend a memorial observance
In remembrance of the victims of the Rwandan genocide, significant urban centers worldwide host commemorative activities on International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda. For those located in Geneva, Dar-es-Salaam, Kigali, New York City, or Dar-es-Salaam, the U.N., the Rwandan Embassy, or the government can provide information regarding the event’s specifics.
View a documentary or film concerning the genocide.
A multitude of anecdotes pertaining to the genocide have been preserved in documentary films. “Hotel Rwanda,” one of the most widely recognized films, portrays the valor exhibited by Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager from Rwanda, amidst the crisis. “Sometimes in April,” “Rwanda: The Untold Story,” “My Neighbor, My Killer,” and “Beyond Right and Wrong” are some additional films.
Educate oneself on the Rwandan Civil War.
You have yet to fully comprehend the ramifications of the genocidal attack on the Rwandan people and society, as well as its motivations. While this article provides a cursory overview of the genocide’s history, for more information, consult the internet.
Five facts concerning the Rwandan Genocide
The genocide occurred in the context of two ethnic groupings.
The majority Hutu ethnic group perpetrated the genocide against the minority Tutsi ethnic group.
Motivated by the demise of a head of state
The genocidal activities commenced after the assassination of Juvénal Habyarimana, the President of Rwanda.
The duration of the genocide was one hundred days.
The genocide transpired from April 7th to July 15th, 1994.
The result was the First Congo War.
The Rwandan government, commanded by the R.P.F., initiated the First Congo War by launching an offensive against the ousted government and Hutu refugees subsequent to forcing the genocidaires into D.R.C.
Sexism was prevalent during the genocide.
250,000 to 500,000 women were violated throughout the course of the genocide.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF REFLECTION ON THE GENOCIDE IN RWANDA DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 7 | Sunday |
| 2025 | April 7 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 7 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 7 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | April 7 | Friday |
