The 1994 Rwandan genocide, which resulted in the deaths of over 800,000 people and the rape of between 150,000 and 250,000 women, is being commemorated by millions of Rwandans. Lasting for just over three months, this genocide was carried out by Hutu extremists against Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The international community was widely criticized for its inaction during the massacres, with countries such as the United Nations, Belgium, the United States and France being singled out for their roles in the tragedy.
The underlying causes of the genocide were years of tension between Hutus and Tutsis that were fueled by colonialist policies and hate campaigns. The assassination of President Juvenal Habyarimana in April 1994 triggered the start of the killings. While some accountability has been achieved through trials and prosecutions of genocide suspects, many high-level perpetrators have escaped justice due to death or health reasons.
This anniversary is being marked with national marches and a big commemoration event in Kigali that will be attended by African dignitaries and former US president Bill Clinton. The aim of this event is to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the genocide and raise awareness about the importance of preventing future atrocities. For survivors and their families, justice and accountability remain a pressing issue.
