Today marks 21 years since the start of the 100-day Rwandan Genocide, which left between 500,000 and 800,000 dead with historical accounts pushing that number closer to 1 million. The mass slaughter in Rwanda was the byproduct of the ruling government’s quest for dominance over another clan in the African nation.
President Barack Obama issued a statement Tuesday morning (April 7) regarding the Rwandan Genocide, noting the horrific nature of the event and pledging support from the United States government to Rwanda.
From President Obama:
Today is a day to commemorate those who lost their lives, to honor the courage of those who risked their lives to save others, and to grieve with the Rwandan people. It is also a day to reaffirm what our common humanity demands—that we stand together to prevent mass atrocities and continue to do all we can to make good on the pledge of “never again.” We also renew our commitment to help finish the task of bringing to justice those who inflicted such tragedy upon such a beautiful land.
In memory of those who died over the course of the Rwandan Genocide, Hip-Hop Wired has compiled 10 facts about that moment in time. And to Rwanda and Rwandans everywhere, we say, “Ubumwe, Umurimo, Gukunda Igihugu” – Unity, Work, Patriotism.
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Photo: I, Inisheer/CC BY-SA 3.0
