The UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Bujumbura together with the Rwanda Embassy in Burundi, co-organized a ceremony to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, on 7th April, in Bujumbura. The theme this year was “Learning from History to Shape a Bright Future”.
The commemoration included speeches by the Ambassador a.i. of Rwanda to Burundi, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Burundi, Ms. Karin Landgren, and the Minister of Good Governance of Burundi. The event featured a short screening of the film “Sweet Dreams”, prayers from a Priest and a Pastor, a minute of silence in memory of the victims, as well as a candle lighting which symbolized the hope of a better future for the Rwandan people. Songs of hope and reconciliation were sang by a group of young Rwandese people living in Burundi.
Over 600 people attended the ceremony, including, members of the Diplomatic corps, Government officials, the Rwandan Community in Burundi, national and international NGOs representatives, members of the parliament, as well as the general public.
The UNIC displayed a photo exhibition entitled, “Lessons Learned from the Rwandan Genocide” and banderoles with the logo of the UN Outreach Programme on the Rwanda Genocide. The event was highly covered by the local media.
As the commemoration will last up to 13 April, UNIC will keep the exhibit open and the film “Sweet Dreams” will be screened all week, in addition to conferences and discussions which are scheduled to take place at the Islamic Centre from 9 to 13 April.