Around 50 participants of the 42nd EAC Consultative Meeting On Facilitation of Air Transport Among the Partner States visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to remember the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and to learn from Rwanda’s history.

The group began by visiting the memorial’s exhibition to learn more about the history and causes of the Genocide, and to learn about fighting genocide ideology. The group concluded their tour by laying wreaths on the burial place, which are the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide, and by observing a moment of silence in tribute to the victims.

After visiting the memorial, visitors reflected by leaving messages in the memorial’s guestbook:

“As a Rwandan citizen, I am proud of where we are today after experiencing the Genocide against the Tutsi. We have to stay strong and sustain what we achieved, as well as continue to build our country in harmony,” Jean Pierre Ntabano, Rwandan participant.

“What I saw here was really touching and will always remain in my memory. I took the message that peace and unity can make a strong nation. Long live Rwanda, long live Africa.” Mwanajumaa Kombo, Tanzanian participant.

“I have seen that genocide affects not only innocent people, but also those who put it into action. It was prepared by few very selfish people. Ordinary people should be taught to refuse to be influenced by others and stand up against all evil ideologies,” Dr. Lucy W. Muthui, Kenyan participant.

“The suffering of our people ends when good people do not keep quiet over the bad inflicted on the people. Thanks to Rwandans, you did not keep quiet. We have all to learn from you,” Omondi Christopher, Ugandan participant.

Visit the memorial’s guestbook to read other reflections of our visitors.