Monrovia, Liberia – As she recalled the horrific recollections of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group, Rwanda’s ambassador to Liberia, Rosemary Mbabazi, broke down in floods of anguish.
Amb. Mbabazi was unable to control her emotions during a media appearance at the One UN House in Monrovia ahead of the genocide’s 31st anniversary commemoration, which was held on Tuesday, April 15, at the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town and drew hundreds of Liberians and foreign dignitaries.
In her remarks to the media, Amb. Mbabazi described the atrocities she saw during the genocide, in which more than 800,000 people were ruthlessly killed in a span of 100 days.
She remarked, her voice wavering with emotion, “If you watch the video, you will see dead bodies all over the streets and dogs eating them. They treated valuable people like animals.”
The Ambassador emphasized that decades of planned hate and ethnic prejudice, which had been accumulating since 1959, were what led to the genocide rather than a spontaneous outburst of violence.
The systemic persecution that led to targeted killings in 1959, 1963, 1973, and the early 1990s culminated in the 1994 genocide. “It was a premeditated disaster. Rwanda should never go back to that terrible period in our history,” she said
Although the Tutsi minority has historically ruled Rwanda, almost 85% of the population are Hutu. When the Tutsi monarchy was overthrown by the Hutus in 1959, tens of thousands of Tutsis fled to Uganda and other nearby nations.
Rwanda has shown itself to be resilient and reviving in spite of its sad past. Ambassador Mbabazi emphasized the country’s incredible progress under current President Paul Kagame, crediting independence and indigenous solutions for the achievement. “We realized that the solutions must come from within first, even though outside assistance is important,” she said.
Rwanda’s robust economic performance, with an average GDP growth rate of over 8%, and significant advancements in infrastructure, governance, healthcare, and education are all indications of the country’s post-genocide recovery. The nation’s dedication to national reconciliation, however, is arguably its most noteworthy accomplishment.
The diplomat noted that Hutu and Tutsis currently coexist peacefully. Many of the perpetrators have made amends with the families of the survivors and returned to their communities. Children of criminals are not held accountable for their parents’ transgressions. Everybody has an equal chance to prosper.
She maintained survivors are supported by reintegration efforts and inclusive community programs, while other ex-offenders now serve as leaders of civil society groups that prioritize healing. Using comparisons between the two countries, Ambassador Mbabazi also lauded Liberia’s own rehabilitation process after a 15-year civil war.
“Liberia’s efforts to promote reconciliation are outstanding. The current leadership has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing for its citizens. Our conflict lasted five years, but yours lasted fifteen, but see your improvement,” she added.
Rwanda has reiterated its support for Liberia’s request for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, Ambassador Mbabazi said. We are mutually dependent on our diplomatic efforts. Rwanda is prepared to work with Liberia to foster international peace and security and supports her candidacy.
