As Rwanda commenced the Mourning Week marking the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, on the evening of Sunday, April 7, landmarks and significant structures across various nations displayed the Kwibuka30 emblem, while others were adorned with the hues of the Rwandan flag, symbolizing unity and support.
In the Indian capital of New Delhi, the Qutb Minar, standing tall as one of the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was illuminated with the colors representing the Rwandan flag, in solidarity with the Rwandan people as they reflected on the Genocide, a somber chapter in history that claimed over one million innocent lives in a span of 100 days.
#Kwibuka30, 07th April 2024: In a strong move of solidarity with Rwanda and its people, the Govt of India illuminated with Rwandan colours the Qutb Minar; one the tallest iconic monuments of India and UNESCO Heritage Site. #Remember, Unite, Renew @RwandaMFA @MEAIndia @MUKANGIRA1 pic.twitter.com/SuzizwFxtU
— Rwanda in India (@RwandainIndia) April 7, 2024
In the city of Paris, the Eiffel Tower illuminated the message “KWIBUKA 30” as France stood in solidarity with Rwanda during the commemoration. French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed his message of support, while his foreign minister, Stephane Sejourné, participated in the Kwibuka ceremony in Kigali alongside numerous heads of state, government officials, and leaders of international organizations.
Similarly, in the Canadian capital of Ottawa, the Peace Tower was adorned with the Rwandan flag’s colors, paying tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
To honour and remember the victims and the survivors of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the Peace Tower on our parliament was lit up in the colours of the Rwandan flag from sunset to 11pm. #Kwibuka30 pic.twitter.com/hW9oTqiBOE
— Arielle Kayabaga (@KayabagaArielle) April 8, 2024
In Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia headquarters shone brightly with the colors of the Rwandan flag and the year 1994, demonstrating solidarity during the commemoration. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew were present in Kigali for the ceremony honoring the anniversary.
Ethiopia has lit buildings Rwandan flag colours in solidarity with Rwandans during the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. #Kwibuka30 pic.twitter.com/QQn6xuBL2N
— Edwin Musoni (@EdwinMusoni) April 7, 2024
In Senegal, the African Renaissance Monument located in the capital city of Dakar was also lit up with the hues of the Rwandan flag.
WATCH: Cities around the world show solidarity with #Rwandan-s💙💛💚. From Delhi🇮🇳, Paris🇫🇷, Dakar🇸🇳, Addis🇪🇹 to Cotonou🇧🇯. #Kwibuka30 pic.twitter.com/t6RZ7KYhXh
— Richard Kwizera (@Muzungu4) April 7, 2024
Similarly, in Cotonou, the largest city in Benin, the Benin Amazone monument was illuminated with the colors reflecting the Rwandan flag.
Back in Rwanda, the Mourning Week was inaugurated by President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame. They laid wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and kindled the Flame of Remembrance, which will remain lit throughout the next 100 days of commemoration.
The Mourning Week will draw to a close on April 13th. However, commemorative events will persist until July 3rd, marking the eve of Liberation Day, commemorating the day when the Rwanda Patriotic Army halted the Genocide, heralding a new era of national unity.
