International Day of Remembrance of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi
This April, we mark 28 years since the start of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda - one of the most notable examples of genocide that has occurred in recent modern history. The genocide lasted for 100 days, and approximately one million Tutsis – as well as politically opposing Hutu and Twa – men, women and children were murdered. April 7th has been marked by the Rwandan government, and the United Nations as the International Day of Remembrance of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
Arlette Kajyibwami, Victim Services Case Manager
To honor this important day, US Together Development Specialist, Liv Randall, sat down with Columbus Case Manager for Victim Services, and Rwandan native, Arlette Kajyibwami, for an interview. Together, they discussed what this day of remembrance means to Rwandans, and how the international community can honor those lost during the genocide. Check out the conversation below to learn more.
Liv Randall: What’s your role at US Together?
Arlette Kajyibwami: I work at US Together as a case manager for Victim Services. Specifically, I work with women who were victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, or domestic violence.
Liv Randall: When did you start at US Together?
Arlette Kajyibwami: I started working here in May of last year (2021).
Liv Randall: Were you born in Rwanda and what part?
Arlette Kajyibwami: Yes, I was born in Rwanda in Kigali. That’s the capital of Rwanda.
Liv Randall: Can you explain what exactly is the International Day of Remembrance of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi?
Arlette Kajyibwami: The memorial day starts on April 7th. Rwanda recognizes the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, and unlike the other official holidays in Rwanda, this holiday is observed on the same date, even if it falls on the weekend. This memorial goes from April 7th to July 4th, when we celebrate Liberation Day.
Liv Randall: What does this day mean to you specifically?
Arlette Kajyibwami: For me, it means to remember and not forget. I think this day is for the younger generation to remember and know what happened in the history of Rwanda, and to make sure that it doesn’t happen again, by learning how the genocide started, the consequences, and what the country went through. I think it’s great for the younger generation to know about the history of Rwanda and make sure it never happens again.
Liv Randall: So, you think, in general, that’s what it means to other Rwandans as well?
Arlette Kajyibwami: Yes, and to remember the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
Liv Randall: And Rwanda holds commemorations throughout those months of remembrance?
Arlette Kajyibwami: Yes, because the genocide started from April through July, about 100 days, so we have those 100 days to remember the victims of the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda.
Liv Randall: How do you think people who aren’t from Rwanda can recognize this day?
Arlette Kajyibwami: I’m pretty sure internationally, especially the UN, they hold certain events to remember the 1994 Genocide. I know international communities gather and set up events to remember the 1994 Genocide. Also, through social media, we can post it there too, and people get to learn about the 1994 Genocide and memorial dates.
Liv Randall: The International Day of Remembrance is a good opportunity for people to maybe learn more about the genocide and what happened?
Arlette Kajyibwami: Yes, because a lot of people in Columbus ask, “Where are you from?” and I tell them, “I’m from Rwanda,” and they’re like, “Oh, Hotel Rwanda!” which is a movie, so that’s the thing, through social media and movies, and even in school, that’s how people get to learn about the 1994 Genocide.
Liv Randall: Is there anything else you want people to know about Rwanda, the genocide, or reconciliation after?
Arlette Kajyibwami: Rwanda and Rwandan president, Paul Kagame, really worked to have Rwandans reconcile. Rwandans are in a good space right now, and our government really worked so hard to fight against genocide ideology and fight against competing groups. The government is also teaching kids about the Rwandan genocide, so there’s no such thing as divide and rule. Rwandans are now as one, there’s no Hutu, there’s no Tutsi, there’s no Twa, so I’ll say the government really did a good job and now the country is in a good place.
Liv Randall: And I think people can also look at this day and think about how Rwanda is a good example of how you can build and become a better society, even after something like genocide.
Arlette Kajyibwami: After such a tragic and traumatic event, Rwanda is really a good example. Many countries can learn from Rwanda.
Liv Randall: Is there anything else you want people to know about yourself or Rwanda?
Arlette Kajyibwami: I would say Rwanda is a beautiful country. There is so much to learn about Rwanda, event after the 1994 Genocide. If you go to Rwanda, you would be so surprised. It is the best country and tourist attraction. Rwanda is a really beautiful country.
If you want to learn more about the history of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, you can do so by visiting last year’s blog post: Remembering the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Thank you to Arlette Kajyibrwami for taking the time to discuss the International Day of Remembrance of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.