Mons is a city located in the French-speaking region of Wallonia, in the province of Hainaut.
The commemoration began with the laying of wreaths at the Genocide Memorial site located at Place du Parc. The event was also attended by Natacha Vandenberghe, representing the City of Mons.
This year's ceremony was organised by a group of Rwandan Genocide survivors in collaboration with the Rwandan Diaspora.
Also in attendance were Twagira Mutabazi, President of Ibuka-Mémoire et Justice-Belgique; Ernest Gakuba, head of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium; Irène Kamanzi, President of Isôko, an association of Tutsi from the DRC in Europe; Arnold Turagara, head of DRB-Rugari in the Mons region; and other representatives of various organisations.
Ernest Gakuba, President of DRB-Rugari, commended the City of Mons for its principled stance during the commemoration, contrasting it with other localities that he said have politicised remembrance events.
'We thank the leadership of the City of Mons, which did not act like some other municipalities that mixed politics with remembrance. But history will judge them harshly when the time comes. Mons chose the path of unity and humanity," he stated.
Natacha Vandenberghe, representing the City of Mons, reminded attendees how the Tutsi were killed simply because of their identity and how they were abandoned.
'It was killing those who could not fight back â€" this was not a war between opposing sides. It was premeditated and organised with the intent that the Tutsi must be exterminated. Even the United Nations has recognised this," she stated.
Vandenberghe urged people to speak the truth about what happened:
'Let's call the Genocide by its rightful name. Let us remember, and let us help young people understand this history.'
In his remarks, Twagira Mutabazi, head of Ibuka-Mémoire et Justice-Belgique, discussed the importance of remembrance and the need for survivors to continue rebuilding their lives. He also highlighted recent challenges facing Genocide remembrance efforts in Belgium.
'This commemoration helps young people to continue honoring the eternal value of those we lost in the Genocide against the Tutsi.'
Mutabazi also revealed that he has requested the repatriation of the remains of King Yuhi V Musinga, currently in Belgium, so they can be properly buried in Rwanda.
'I have asked the Rwandan government to do everything possible to bring back King Yuhi V Musinga's remains to Rwanda, to be reburied at Mwima in Mushirarungu," Mutabazi said.
Irène Kamanzi, President of Isôko, said she attends these commemorations because she understands their value, but also because she wants to raise awareness that the horrors of the 1994 Genocide are recurring today.
'It is heartbreaking that I am here to speak about what is happening just across Rwanda's border in the DRC. The killings there are beyond human comprehension, and the Congolese government is watching silently, just as the world did in 1994. Those who once fled Rwanda are now killing us again and establishing a government of genocidaires. I am here to denounce that loudly," she remarked.
Arnold Turagara, head of DRB-Rugari in the Mons area, said:
'Today, 31 years later, we have gathered again here in Mons to remember our loved ones killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi â€" infants, children, the elderly. But we are not here to weep; we are here to bear witness to the atrocities committed.'
He emphasised that this is to help the younger generation understand what happened, pursue justice, and restore the value of human life.
He thanked the RPF-Inkotanyi for not standing idly by like the international community, but instead choosing to rescue those who could still be saved. He reminded everyone that young people played a key role in that mission and should be seen as role models.
Turagara also expressed gratitude to all who stood in solidarity with them, particularly the City of Mons for its continued support.
Olivier Munyengango, a survivor from Mukarange Parish, shared his testimony during the event. He lost his entire immediate family in the Genocide and was the only one left. His family included five children and their parents. Many extended family members were also killed.
The 31st commemoration event in Mons was held in three parts: a remembrance walk, testimonies and discussions at the Mons Memorial Museum, and a third part in the Jemappes district, where a night vigil and symbolic flame (Igicaniro) took place.
The Igicaniro program featured testimonies, moments of reflection, and a display of photos of both murdered and wiped-out families to highlight their lives and legacies.
This commemoration in Mons is one of many held across Belgium this year, with previous events in cities like Brussels, Liège, Namur, Bruges, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, and Antwerp. Upcoming commemorations will be held in Charleroi on May 24, Tournai on May 31, and Leuven on June 10.
Photos from the first part of the event: laying flowers and the remembrance walk.
Karirima A. Ngarambe
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwandans-in-mons-honour-victims-of-1994-genocide-against-the-tutsi
