On April 13, 2024, the commemoration brought together members of the Rwandan community and their allies in Liège. Notable attendees included André Bucyana, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Rwandan Embassy in Belgium; Willy Demeyer, the Mayor of Liège; and Anne-Marie Ikirizaboro, the head of URGT.
Representatives from various organizations that support genocide survivors, as well as Michaël Bisschops from "Les Territoires de la Mémoire," were also present.
Anne-Marie Ikirizaboro underscored the importance of the commemoration, emphasizing it as a remembrance of the severe persecution of the Tutsi community based on their identity.
"They were targeted and killed solely because they were Tutsi. Countless lives were lost, and the exact locations of many such atrocities remain unknown. Those responsible continue to walk free, shielded by nations that have provided them asylum. This reality offers little solace to us, the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, as we endeavor to reconstruct our lives with unwavering resolve," she explained.
Ikirizaboro added that the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi also involves nurturing the children who are descendants of the survivors.
The event also highlighted the resilience of survivors through the unveiling of "Un génocide en héritage."
This book presents 11 impactful testimonies compiled by URGT, Celida asbl, and SPF Égalité des chances, with contributions from Donatille Karurenzi and Dr. Bernard Wilkin.
André Bucyana expressed gratitude to both the organizers and attendees for their dedication to remembering the genocide annually in Liège. He stressed the vital role of documenting history to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities.
Mayor Willy Demeyer commended the Tutsi survivors in Liège for their resilience and organizational efforts. He noted the significance of public memorials, like laying flowers at the Genocide Memorial near the National Resistance Monument in central Liège, in preventing the repetition of such tragedies.
The commemoration was also enriched with cultural expressions, including musical performances by the Marine Cadet Music ensemble and poetry readings, adding emotional depth to the occasion.
With the introduction of the testimonial book "Un génocide en héritage" to the public, the event served as an essential educational tool, reminding the world of the harsh realities faced by survivors and their unyielding spirit.
Walk to remember and laying of wreaths at the memorial
Commemoration talks
Karirima Aimable Ngarambe
