Despite years of international awareness, hateful rhetoric and warning signs similar to those leading to the genocide are still prevalent in the Great Lakes region and East Africa.
However, many have refused to acknowledge this, instead sweeping the issue under the rug of political disputes.
Cardinal Kambanda emphasized that no one chooses the family they are born into, as it is part of God's divine plan.
"It is God's will, and that is why it is a serious issue, and a deeply painful one, to be blamed for the way one was born. It is a denial of God, for He is the one who chooses the family we are born into," he said.
Cardinal Kambanda explained that over a million Tutsis were killed, becoming victims of hatred, division, and colonial ideologies that destroyed the unity and brotherhood of the Rwandan people.
He also noted that many survivors never had the chance to pay last respects to their loved ones, which is why the nation takes time to remember them from April 7th through the 100-day period.
Cardinal Kambanda criticized the international community for turning a blind eye to the lessons of the Genocide against the Tutsi, focusing instead on their own interests.
"There are still those with hardened hearts and countries that should be drawing lessons from the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, but they are more focused on their own gains, thus ignoring the truth," he said.
"Let's continue preparing the youth and raising Rwandans of tomorrow, so that the legacy of unity and brotherhood becomes the foundation from which they grow, ensuring that such horrors are never repeated."
The Cardinal also emphasized that the time of remembrance coincides with the Easter season, serving as a reminder to Christians that evil does not triumph over good, and darkness does not overcome light.
"Every year, this period of remembrance coincides with Easter season. As Christians, we believe that, despite the severity of sin and death, particularly as witnessed in the genocide, Christ conquered them by dying for us on the cross.
This gives us the hope that evil cannot overpower good, hatred cannot overpower love, death cannot overpower life, and light will always triumph over darkness," he said.
The Cardinal reflected that while the period of the Genocide against the Tutsi was marked by darkness and despair, the ongoing remembrance of the over a million lives lost continues to shine with an undying light.
Cardinal Kambanda commended the leadership of Rwanda, recognizing those who took action to stop the genocide, hid the persecuted, advocated for the victims, and chose to sacrifice themselves rather than abandon those in need.
IGIHE
