Bangui: Rwandan peacekeepers commemorate the 1994 genocide

Central Africa Government officials, MISCA representatives and UN officials joined on 7 April 2014 Rwanda Infantry Mechanized Battalion (Rwamechbatt1) deployed in AU peace mission (MISCA) in Bangui in 20th Commemoration of genocide against Tutsi.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kongo Doudou Toussaint was the guest of honor representing HE President Samba Panza in the ceremony. He came with the Minister of defence Gen Thomas Tchimangwa, Security Minister, Mr Denis Wangao Kizimalet, Minister in Presidency office, Mr Jean Jacques Demafouth and Bangui Mayor Ms Wodobode Yacinthe.

MISCA Head of mission Ret Gen Jean Marie Mokoko and his deputy Brig Gen Martin Toumenta Chomu also attended the ceremony that took place at SOCATEL MPOKO barracks in Bangui.

The Rwamechbatt1 Commanding officer, Lt Col J Paul Karangwa thanked different officials present for joining Rwandans to remember the 1994 genocide against Tutsi. He urged them to get lessons from what happened in Rwanda.

He also said that the world should not allow such atrocities to happen again either in Central Africa Republic or any other place. Lt Col J Paul Karangwa said that Rwanda has rebuilt from ashes of 1994 genocide against Tutsi to become a peaceful and developed country.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Kongo Doudou Toussaint thanked Rwanda for deploying forces in Central Africa to help the country overcoming from conflicts. “I thank you for what you do here and Central Africans will learn from you to move forward as you have done in your country”.

MISCA Force commander, Brig Gen Martin Tumenta thanked Rwanda peacekeepers for their professionalism demonstrated in MISCA operations. He urged the Rwamechbatt1 to bring to Central Africa Republic the experience on how Rwanda recovered from the genocide.

MISCA Head of mission, Ret Gen Jean Marie Mokoko commended Rwandans for their efforts to build the country after genocide,”You cannot understand this unless you go to Kigali and witness how Rwanda is developing even more than powerful countries”, he said.

Gen Mokoko thanked Rwanda peacekeepers for the good experience they brought in AU peacekeeping mission in Central Africa. He also said that MISCA forces stand with Rwandans to remember and say never again to genocide.

After speeches, officials laid wreath on scene of photos reflecting the 1994 genocide against Tutsi and observed one minute of silence in honoring the victims.

MoD 

UM– USEKE.RW