Many I spoke to call it luck, surviving by the skin of their teeth; others see their survival as an opportunity to be beacons of hope, voices for the voiceless. Their persistence proves that people can endure unspeakable adversity.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial stands as a striking memorial to the Genocide mass murders. In addition to being a center for repugnant history, it also functions as a learning center and a space for introspection.
Its role is also international in scope, advocating reconciliation, healing, and peacemaking via education across borders. In fact, for me visiting this memorial wasn't just a journey to the past but a reflection of those lessons which Africa should urgently internalize in securing her future.
The Frailty of Peace
Growing up in my rural Kenyan neighborhood, I learned about the genocide in school, but the extent of its barbarity felt alien, and somewhat elusiveâ€"perhaps because I was only about one month old when it occurred and about twelve when I first learned it in school.
Walking through the Kigali Genocide Memorial, however, the reality became unequivocally stark: peace is easily disrupted. Rwanda's story is a grim reminder that polarization, hate speech, and rampant bias can escalate into a crippling massacre.
Standing before walls inscribed with names, staring into photos of innocent victims, sent a sobering message about vigilance. Roots of animosity are often planted through careless remarks, policies of exclusion, or orchestrated propaganda campaigns. When cultivated by indifference or culpability, they morph into horrors.
The Power of Unity
Remarkably, Rwanda has demonstrated a power of unity and active resolution. This memorial keeps the remembrance of the victims alive as well as enlightens its visitors on the road to restoration for Rwanda.
With programs in place that facilitate dialogue, rebuilding communities, and holding people accountable as a nation, it is an example to show that even amidst a deeply divided population, reconciliation can be realized.
This is a lesson most needed on the African continent, which often finds itself torn apart by ethnic, political and tribal dispute. If Rwanda was able to rise from the ashes of genocide, why can't other nations turn their conflicts into avenues for healing and advancement?
It takes strong leadership, for sure, but it also requires a united effort to highlight the mutual humanity that binds us together.
The Role of Education
The Kigali Genocide Memorial serves as an important educational hub, particularly for young people. By confronting difficult truths, the memorial helps ensure that history is remembered and not repeated.
Education that promotes empathy, inclusivity and critical thinking must be given top priority for us Africans. To help them strive for a more cohesive future, it is our duty to teach our kids about our shared past, including its triumphs and sorrows.
My Experience: A Personal Call to Action
The experience of touring the Kigali Genocide Memorial was both life-changing and profound. In addition to serving as a devastating reminder of the depths of human evil, it also showed how remarkably resilient and forgiving we are when faced with such terrible grief.
I thought about how I could contribute to "Never Again" for it to become more than just a cliche and a reality that we all live by. I believe the answer lies in fostering dialogue, creating a path to harmony through education and immense support from allies.
For Africa, this means drawing lessons from Rwanda's scars and successes to forge sustainable peace. With that said, I deeply appreciate the fact that the Kigali Genocide Memorial serves as a memorial and a call to action for a continent that needs to heal.
Before it's too late, let's take note of these teachings. When we come together, Africa will continue to rise but when remain divided along the lines of ethnicity and hate, the continent will certainly come down crumbling.
The Author is a Digital Marketing and Communications Consultant based in Nairobi. She is a published author and a thought leader in the intersection of digital media, communications, and consumer behavior.
Ivy Wangui Mutahi
