The commemoration, which took place on May 11, 2024, at the Genocide Memorial in ’Place du Parc’, highlighted concerns that the international community has not done enough to apprehend Genocide suspects who still move freely across Europe and other regions.

The event was organized by a group of genocide survivors in collaboration with the Rwandan Diaspora of Mons and the City Administration.

André Bucyana, Chargé d’Affaires at the Rwandan Embassy in Belgium, recounted the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, outlining how it was planned, tested, and executed, with the present challenges including denial by those who distort its facts.

He highlighted the importance of remembering the victims, noting that it revives the painful memories for the survivors, while also praising their resilience and continuing recovery efforts.

"However, the path toward justice is still long, despite some trials that have occurred over the past 30 years, particularly here in Belgium," he added.

Gilbert Dushimimana, the President of Rwandan community in Belgium known as DRB-Rugari, remarked that people should learn from the leadership of Rwanda to "continue to draw strength from the atrocities committed during the Genocide against the Tutsi" in order to help prevent such history from recurring.

Dushimimana also expressed gratitude towards the Mons administration for its continued support in remembering the genocide against the Tutsi since 2017, "up to the provision of a Genocide Memorial, demonstrating your solidarity with us."

Nicolas Martin, Mayor of Mons, noted that the Genocide against the Tutsi was among the most rapid and widespread genocides, involving the mass slaughter of individuals from various backgrounds. He commended the unyielding spirit of the survivors.

"The sheer brutality of this genocide, when recounted, immediately reminds us of the survivors; thus, our efforts are intended to assist the survivors in continuing to live, regardless of the challenges," he stated.

Ernest Sagaga, the President of Ibuka-Mémoire & Justice-Belgique, emphasized that remembering the Genocide against the Tutsi means honoring the lives lost even before the genocide commenced, reflecting on their horrors even though they had been assured protection by the international community, which ultimately let them down.

Sagaga also praised the Mons leadership for providing a space that includes the Memorial for those killed in the Genocide against the Tutsi and Belgian soldiers who died in Kigali on April 7, 1994, when the Genocide officially began.

The commemoration featured three segments, including a walk to remember, commemoration talks and testimonies at the "Hotel de Ville de Mons," and a candlelight vigil in Jemappes, where testimonies were shared and photographs of lost and wiped out families were displayed, reflecting on the lives they led.

This event is part of a series of 30th-anniversary commemorations of the Genocide against the Tutsi that have taken place in various cities across Belgium, including Brussels, Liège, Namur, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Bruges, with forthcoming events scheduled in Antwerp, Charleroi, and Tournai.

Laying wreaths and walk to remember

Mourners participated in a walk to remember.

Commemoration talks and testimonies

André Bucyana highlighted that there are Genocide perpetrators still roaming freely.

Ernest Sagaga, the President of Ibuka-Mémoire & Justice-Belgique praised the Mons leadership for providing a space that includes the Memorial for victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Nicolas Martin, Mayor of Mons, noted that the Genocide against the Tutsi was among the most rapid and widespread genocides and commended the resilience of the survivors.

Gilbert Dushimimana, the President of the Rwandan community in Belgium known as DRB-Rugari, remarked that people should learn from the leadership of Rwanda to "continue to draw strength from the atrocities committed during the Genocide against the Tutsi" in order to help prevent such history from recurring.

Singer Mariya Yohana performed commemoration songs at the event.

Odette Kayitesi shared testimonies of her survival in Nyamirambo, Kigali where she resided.

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