Africa

KWIBUKA29 - an annual to commemorate the 1994 Rawanda Genocide

The commemoration event in Berlin of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

April 26th, 2023
Sara Loria, News from Berlin
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Kwibuka is an annual event that started in Rwanda to commemorate the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The event takes place every year from April 7th to April 13th, and it is a time for the country to come together and remember the victims of the genocide.

In addition to its significance in Rwanda, Kwibuka has also become an important event for the international community. For the 29th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide, the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the Federal Republic of Germany arranged a “Walk to Remember” on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Mirroring Kwibuka29 initiatives around the world, the manifestation started at the Humboldt Forum, and ended at St. Marie church where a commemoration mass was held.

The word ‘Kwibuka’ means remembrance in Kinyarwanda, and Kwibuka is a moment for Rwandans and the international community to reflect on the past and to keep developing systems to prevent similar atrocities from occurring in the future. Through cultural diplomacy, reconciliation and collective trauma shape Rwandans’ future as they reflect on the past. Kwibuka commemorations serve as a reminder of the atrocities that occurred during the genocide, and they provide an opportunity for people around the world to learn more about what happened and to support the ongoing efforts of the Rwandan government to rebuild and reconcile the country. Some Kwibuka ceremonies held in remembrance of the genocide feature performances by traditional Rwandan dancers and musicians, as well as speeches by political leaders and survivors of the genocide.

Overall, cultural diplomacy has played an important role in promoting healing and reconciliation in Rwanda after the 1994 genocide. By sharing the country’s culture and history with the world and promoting understanding between different cultures, cultural diplomacy has helped to foster a sense of unity and promote peace in Rwanda and beyond. Rwanda has worked to preserve its cultural heritage as a means of promoting national identity and unity. The country’s museums and cultural sites play an important role in educating visitors about Rwanda’s history and culture, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving the county’s heritage.

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News from Berlin