He shared his reflections during the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, held on April 7, 2025, by Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in the United States.
Wilkens highlighted Rwanda's extraordinary efforts to seek its own solutions for justice and healing, pointing to community-based initiatives like Gacaca courts that were instrumental in fostering reconciliation in a deeply divided society.
'Gacaca and other conflict resolution methods focused on understanding the consequences of what happened and its impact, so that citizens could collectively engage in the healing process. It was not about revenge or retribution,' he said.
Wilkens emphasized the accountability shown by many Rwandans and how it demonstrated a national resolve to transform.
At the event, Troy Fitrell, representing the U.S. State Department, expressed his country's commitment to supporting Rwanda's pursuit of justice and warned against the dangers of genocide denial and hate speech.
'We reject any and all efforts to distort history for political gain. Specifically, we fully denounce any attempts to deny or downplay the Genocide against the Tutsi,' he stated.
He called on those who spread hateful rhetoric to redirect their efforts toward promoting peace rather than sowing division and inciting violence.
Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the genocide, gave a personal testimony and emphasized the importance of forgiveness.
'Since surviving the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, I've made it my mission to remind people that hatred is dangerous. I am living proof that where love is absent, people will torture and kill their neighbors. That's where discrimination begins,' she said.
Nicole Karekezi, President of IBUKA-USA, stressed the importance of using the correct terminology when referring to the genocide.
'It is the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, as recognized by the United Nations. It's not 'violence in Africa,' nor 'ethnic conflict,' and certainly not 'genocide against Tutsi, Hutu, and Twa.' Such mislabeling distorts the truth and reopens our wounds,' she asserted.
Rwanda's Ambassador to the U.S., Mathilde Mukantabana, noted that remembering the genocide againt the Tutsi is a responsibility for all humanity, not just survivors.
Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Tim Welberg commended Rwanda's development as a symbol of hope, forgiveness, and resilience.
Commemoration activities for the 31st anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi will continue in various U.S. cities, organized in collaboration between Rwandan communities and friends of Rwanda.
IGIHE
