Zimbabwe Joins Rwanda to Remember: Never Again to Genocide

By Ilyana Sithole

London U.K. – Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front U.K chairman Xavier Muneyinazvo Zavare has expressed solidarity as Rwanda began its solemn 100-day remembrance of the horrific 1994 genocide. Mr. Zavare who was invited to attend and sign the book of memorial underlined the significance of keeping in mind the terrible incidents and making sure that such crimes never occur again.

“We stand with the Rwanda Patriotic Front party led by Dr. Paul Kagame”, Zavare said while speaking from London. “We support them during this difficult period. In the course of this genocide, more than a million Tutsis were brutally murdered”. He went on to point out the belated international community response then, and how necessary the commemoration is.

On April 7, the official start of the genocide 31 years ago the yearly remembrance known as Kwibuka began. Icyunamo a period of national mourning during which work is halted and memorial services are held in Rwanda and around the world is observed during the first week of April from April 7 to April 13. Honoring the victims memory and giving careful thought to the terrible events that transpired are the purposes of this time. The period of remembrance encompasses July 4th Rwandas Liberation Day which signifies the conclusion of the genocide. Further highlighting the international significance of this time of remembrance the United Nations also observes April 7th as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda. A number of events are planned at the organizations headquarters and offices around the world.

Mr. Zavare expressed the close ties between Rwanda and Zimbabwe by saying “We value our friendship as Rwanda and Zimbabwe. We also recognize the Rwanda Patriotic Fronts leadership.” In his capacity as ZANU-PF UK representative he expressed the partys unity as well as his own profound regard for the Rwandan people and the seriousness of the genocide. “As the chairman of ZANU-PF and a member of the party I am here to represent our party’s interests. Naturally, I also personally appreciate what transpired. Its essentially a situation that will never happen again,” he said.

The significance of international solidarity in commemorating and learning from the Rwandan genocide is highlighted by Zavares presence and remarks. His involvement in the observance echoes the clear message: “Never Again” and serves as a potent reminder of the need for vigilante action against all manifestations of violence and hatred.