Thousands participate in ‘Walk to Remember’

By Frank Kanyesigye, New Times 

KIGALI - Thousands of Rwandan youth joined by their colleagues from the region yesterday participated in the ‘Walk to Remember,’ a march organised to pay tribute to the over a million Tutsi who were killed in the 1994 Genocide.

The walk, which started from the Ministry of Justice in Kimihurura, lasted over half an hour and ended at Amahoro National Stadium where candles were lit in memory of the victims.

The event was held under the theme" Uniting the International Community and Empowering the Youth to Take Action against Genocide and Mass Atrocities Worldwide”.

Some names of those who lost their lives during the Genocide were also read out. Addressing the youth at the Ministry of Justice before the event, Youth Minister, Protais Mitali. said that the ‘Walk to Remember’ is a great way to educate people about the negative effects of th Genocide.

“You should choose what is right for you and builds the nation. As young people, keep in mind that you’re the future,” he said. He called upon the youth to fight against the Genocide ideology wherever they are by using all means available, including Information Communication Technology, social networking sites such as Facebook and twitter,among others.

Mitali hailed the organisers of the event and said that as they remember what happened, they should also keep in mind their responsibility in building the future.

The walk was championed by Peace and Love Proclaimers (PLP), the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG), Aegis Students and As We Forgive Rwanda initiative.

Throughout April, Rwandan youth living around the world will host ‘Walk to Remember’ and related activities on their campuses and within their communities.

The events will take place in 20 locations in Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, DR Congo, Canada, USA, UK and India The walk was also attended by various senior government officials.

- By Frank Kanyesigye, New Times 

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