from PHYLLIS BIRORI in Kigali, Rwanda
Rwanda Bureau
KIGALI, (CAJ News) –THE East African Community (EAC) is commemorating the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This commemoration, today (Monday), is in solidarity with the government and people of Rwanda.
“This annual commemoration serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed in Rwanda from April to July 1994 and reinforces the collective responsibility of the international community to combat genocide and its ideologies,” EAC stated.
“This year, the EAC stands united with the Republic of Rwanda and the international community to honour the victims and promote a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence across the East African region.”
The EAC will host several activities, including a Walk to Remember, the Lighting of the Flame of Hope and the laying of a wreath at the Monument for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The commemoration will bring together leaders and staff from EAC Organs and Institutions, Arusha Region authorities, regional and international organisations based in Arusha, students, and representatives from various religious denominations.
In April 7, 2014, the United Nations and the African Union designated April 7 as a day of remembrance for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. An estimated 500 000 and 8 000 individuals were killed from April 4 and July 19.
– CAJ News