St. Kitts and Nevis Participates in the United Nations Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide

The somber occasion of Kwibuka, the 100-day mourning period commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, commenced on April 7, 2025, at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This solemn gathering, attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, diplomats, members of the Rwandan Permanent Mission, the Rwandan diaspora, and survivors of the genocide, served as a stark reminder of the international community’s failure to prevent this horrific tragedy. Guterres emphasized the premeditated nature of the genocide, highlighting the deliberate use of hate speech to incite division, spread lies, and dehumanize the Tutsi population. He stressed that the genocide was not a spontaneous eruption of violence but a meticulously planned act of extermination, underscoring the collective responsibility for the world’s inaction.

The President of the General Assembly, a former Prime Minister of Cameroon, echoed Guterres’ sentiments, lamenting the world’s indifference as the genocide unfolded despite clear warning signs. He questioned whether the international community had truly learned from the past, challenging the audience to reflect on their own roles in preventing future atrocities. His poignant inquiry, “Is it happening somewhere as we speak?” resonated deeply, prompting introspection on contemporary conflicts and the potential for similar tragedies to occur if vigilance is not maintained.

H.E. Dr. Mutryce Williams, representing the Caribbean Federation, expressed solidarity with Rwanda, drawing parallels between the historical experiences of both regions with genocide. She emphasized the importance of collective action to combat hate, tribalism, discrimination, and supremacy, advocating for reconciliation, renewal, and solidarity as essential components in building a better future. Her words underscored the shared responsibility to never forget the atrocities of the past and to actively work towards a world free from such horrors.

The Rwandan government’s official account of the genocide details the systematic extermination of over a million Tutsi people in 1994. The genocide was not a spontaneous eruption of violence but the culmination of decades of ethnic division fueled by a hateful ideology. This division was entrenched during the colonial period and exploited by the Habyarimana regime to orchestrate the genocide. The international community’s inaction during the genocide is a shameful chapter in history, highlighting the devastating consequences of indifference and inaction.

The Rwandan government’s narrative accentuates the deliberate and systematic nature of the genocide. The planning and execution of the genocide were carried out in full view of the international community, which remained largely passive. The government emphasizes that this was not an accidental tragedy but a meticulously orchestrated campaign of extermination rooted in a long history of ethnic division and hate. This narrative serves as a powerful condemnation of the international community’s failure to intervene and prevent the genocide.

The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF)-Inkotanyi ultimately ended the genocide in July 1994, paving the way for a long and arduous journey of reconstruction. The establishment of the Government of National Unity, with its emphasis on unity and reconciliation, marked a crucial step towards healing the deep wounds inflicted by the genocide. This commitment to rebuilding a nation fractured by violence exemplifies the resilience and determination of the Rwandan people to create a better future. The Kwibuka commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering the past, honoring the victims, and working towards a future where such atrocities are never repeated. It is a call for global vigilance, urging the international community to learn from the failures of the past and to take decisive action to prevent future genocides.