India pays tributes to victims of Rwanda 1994 genocide
Qutub Minar in New Delhi lit up in the colours of Rwandan flag
India stood in solidarity with Rwanda on Sunday (April 7) as the nation marked the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In a solemn tribute, the iconic Qutub Minar in Delhi was illuminated in the colors of the Rwandan national flag, symbolising India's remembrance of the tragic events that unfolded three decades ago.
Also read |The Capitals: 'Never again', global capitals light up to mark 30 years of 1994 Rwanda genocide
The illumination ceremony, which took place from 8pm to 8:45pm IST, was attended by representatives from Ministry of external affairs, High Commissioner of Rwanda, Jacqueline Mukangira, along with her colleagues, members of the media etc. "Many thanks to the Government and the People of India, for illuminating the Qutub Minar today, April 7th, 2024,with Rwandan colours, as a symbol of global unity and solidarity, in commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda", High Commissioner Jacqueline posted on social media.
Rwanda observed Kwibuka, marking 30 years since the genocide that claimed the lives of an estimated 800,000 people. President Paul Kagame led the ceremonies in Rwanda, emphasising the international community's failure to prevent the atrocities that occurred in 1994.
India was also represented at the ceremony, with the presence of Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi and Additional Secretary Puneet Roy Kundal from the Ministry of External Affairs. Kundal in a post said, "Represented GoI at the 30th commemoration in Kigali of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide in which nearly a million people were killed in 100 days".
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India's solidarity with Rwanda dates back to the early 1990s when it was among the few countries that raised concerns about the possibility of genocide in the country. Amidst the horrors of the 1994 genocide, Indian soldiers serving as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) made ultimate sacrifices in the line of duty.
New Delhi supplied relief materials worth ₹5 lakh to Rwandese refugees in Tanzania as well.
Also watch |‘World failed us in 1994,’ says Rwandan president as nation marks 30 years since genocide
During the height of the violence, India also took swift action to evacuate its nationals from Rwanda. With meticulous coordination, the Indian High Commission in Kampala, concurrently accredited to Rwanda, facilitated the safe evacuation of all Indian nationals, except for two nuns who chose to remain behind to care for Rwandan orphans under their charge.
The evacuation efforts saw the Indian community relocateto neighboring countries like Burundi, with the assistance of other friendly nations.