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Rwanda Marks 30th Anniversary of Genocide
Rwandan President Paul Kagame accused the international community of failing his nation during the 1994 genocide, as the country commemorated the 30th anniversary of the horrific massacre.
Over 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis but also moderate Hutus, were slaughtered by Hutu extremists in a 100-day rampage that began in April 1994.
Kagame, who led the rebel force that ended the genocide, spoke at a somber ceremony in Kigali. He said, “Rwanda was devastated by the loss. The lessons we learned are etched in blood.” He criticized the international community for its inaction, attributing it to “contempt or cowardice.”
The ceremony began with Kagame laying wreaths at mass graves and lighting the remembrance flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The day concluded with a candlelit vigil held in a Kigali arena.
The scars of the genocide remain deep in Rwanda and the wider Great Lakes region. Leaders from across Africa, including African Union chief Moussa Faki Mahamat, acknowledged the international community’s failure to intervene.
French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country has been criticized for its role in the genocide, reiterated his previous comments acknowledging France’s shortcomings. US President Joe Biden also offered his condolences and vowed to never forget the victims.
Rwanda has entered a week of national mourning. Public places will be silent, with music, sports events, and movies banned from broadcasts unless related to the commemoration, “Kwibuka (Remembrance) 30”.
The genocide was triggered by the assassination of Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana. Hutu extremists and the Interahamwe militia then unleashed a brutal campaign fueled by anti-Tutsi propaganda.
Rwanda has built over 200 memorials to honor the victims, and the discovery of new mass graves continues. The country has also implemented community tribunals and a tightly controlled school curriculum that educates students about the genocide.
While Rwanda claims hundreds of genocide suspects remain at large, only 28 have been extradited back to the country for trial.
Ugandan Artists Arrested for Insulting President Museveni
Eight members of the renowned Ugandan artistic ensemble, Crane Performers, found themselves in police custody on Saturday, following allegations of disrespect towards President Yoweri Museveni during his address at a celebratory event held at a Kampala hotel. The occasion marked the wedding anniversary of Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and his wife, Jacquiline Mbabazi.
According to reports, the detained artists were among the attendees at the event where President Museveni was delivering remarks. Witnesses claim the performers were overheard criticizing the length of the president’s speech, suggesting that he should conclude his address. The remarks were reportedly captured by the hotel’s sound system, reaching a significant portion of the gathering.
The security personnel present swiftly apprehended the eight individuals, escorting them to a nearby police station in Kampala for further questioning. It is anticipated that they will face charges related to insulting the dignity of the head of state.
The Crane Performers, known for their cultural contributions and entertaining performances, had been invited to provide their artistic talents as part of the festivities commemorating the milestone anniversary of the Mbabazi couple. Their arrest has sparked discussions regarding freedom of expression in Uganda, particularly in public settings where political figures are present.
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