turambane Jean Claude

The commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi held in Norway yesterday was marked by the presence of two men of values: a Swedish and a Norwegian who, in a deeply personal way, shared their connection to Rwanda. Their reflections spoke to a sincere commitment to a world free from discrimination, grounded in truth, and shaped by lived experiences from Rwanda. Anders Mellerud, a teacher at Tangen School in Kristiansand, Norway, spoke about the transformative journey of his students who visited Rwanda at the invitation of the Ishami Foundation, to learn from its history and resilience. Anders shared touching moments from his encounters with survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of listening, learning, and bearing witness. Lars Arrhenius, the Swedish Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, shared his personal experience of discrimination against the Tutsi in Rwanda back in the 1960s, as he grew up in Karongi- Rwanda. Lars presented his book, dedicated to his nanny, who was killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi. ”The Lion Ant: My Rwandan Sisters, Dead and Alive ” by Lars Arrhenius added an important dimension of remembrance through literature, highlighting the role of storytelling in preserving memory and educating future generations. #Kwibuka32 We remember, unite, and renew.

Yesterday, in Norway, the commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi was marked by powerful testimonies, deep connections with our loved ones who lost their lives, just because they were Tutsi, and a strong commitment to Rwandans’ unity. Rwandans living in Norway reaffirmed their resolve to ensure “Never Again,” to honor Rwandans’ resilience and to never take for granted the sacrifice of the brave men and women who stopped the genocide , rescued and keep Rwanda safe: Rwanda Patriotic Army- Rwanda Defence Force. “In silence, we honour the lives of one million Tutsi taken. In the flame, we honour the hope that endures. May remembrance strengthen our compassion and guide us toward unity, dignity, and truth.” A prayer by Pastor Natacha Gatete. Youth Tribute: Remembering Children killed during the Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda*: “We remember, we speak the names of the children we lost so their stories never fade. Memory is our promise to them. We carry forward the values of humanity, courage, and resilience.” Panellists: “Genocide is a process, not an event. Prevention begins the moment we challenge discrimination, dehumanisation, and silence.” We stand here because young men and women of the Rwandan Patriotic Front stood forward and made the ultimate sacrifice. To RDF soldiers ( formerly RPA ) led by HE Paul Kagame ; who rescued us and continue to protect Rwandans, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your sacrifice was seen, it was felt, and it will never be forgotten. We carry this life with responsibility, never taking its safety for granted. The peace we know today exists because of what was given for it. Your sacrifice will never be reduced to silence or routine remembrance. Instead, it will remain alive in how we choose to live, through gratitude, responsibility, and respect. We honor you not only with words, but through the lives we build because of what you made possible” . Testimony from Ms.Butera Josée, a Genocide Survivor: “To remember is painful, but to forget would be a betrayal. I speak so that humanity may choose compassion over hatred.”